Lower Murray Darling CMA Darling Anabranch Lakes Management

Transcription

Lower Murray Darling CMA
Darling Anabranch Lakes
Management Plan
Management Plan
October 2008
Contents
1.
Introduction
1
2.
Acknowledgements
2
3.
Assumptions
3
4.
Purpose
4
5.
Background
5
6.
Stakeholders
7
7.
Previous Management of the Lakes and Lake Regulators
8
8.
Values of the Anabranch Lakes
12
8.1
Ecological Values
12
8.2
Indigenous Cultural Heritage
18
8.3
Social Values
18
8.4
Economic Values
19
9.
Overview of Lakebed Cropping and Regulators
20
9.1
Sustainable Practices for Opportunistic Cropping
20
9.2
Current Status of the Regulators and Infrastructure
21
9.3
Current Opportunistic Cropping Status and Permit Conditions
22
9.4
Hydrology of the Anabranch and Lakes
22
10. Summary of State Legislation Relevant to Anabranch Lake
Management
24
11. Flood Management Interactions with Environmental Flows
(E-flows)
25
12. Nearie Lake
26
12.1 Nearie Lake Values
26
12.2 Memorandum of Understanding
26
13. Lakes Management Plan Monitoring and Review
27
13.1 Cropping 27
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13.2 Water Quality
27
13.3 Hydrology
27
Management Plan
13.4 Review 28
14. General Recommendations
29
15. Future Decision Making Institutional Arrangements
30
15.1 Decision Making Triggers
30
15.2 Decision Making Objectives
31
15.3 Decision Making Responsibilities and Processes
31
15.4 Lakes to Filling Rotational Order
31
16. Conclusion
34
17. References
35
18. Acronyms
36
Figure Index
Figure 1
6
Figure 2
Previous Decision Making Process
9
Figure 3
Coarse Filter for Allocation of Flood Water to
Anabranch Lakes
33
Table Index
Table 1
Stakeholders of the Anabranch Lakes
Table 2
Flooding sequence of the anabranch lakes
10
Table 3
Flora species associated with the Anabranch Lakes
12
Table 4
Avifauna recorded or predicted to occur from the
Anabranch Lakes
14
Mammals recorded or predicted to occur from the
Anabranch Lakes
15
Reptiles and Amphibians recorded or predicted to
occur from the Anabranch Lakes
16
Table 7
Fish of the Anabranch Lakes
17
Table 8
Comparison of cropping practices between Briggs
recommendations and current permit conditions
and Proposed Conditions
20
Table 9
Relevant State Legislation Agencies
24
Table 10
Anabranch flows and Responsibility for Water
Management
30
Table 5
Table 6
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Table 11
Table 12
The volume and frequency of inundation of
Anabranch Lakes and suggested priority (This
needs to be based on the new data from the
Lakebed Croppers)
38
The recommended un-cropped perimeter for lakes
based on lake areas (Briggs)
40
Appendices
Volume and Frequency of Lake Inundation
Recommended Un-cropped Perimeter as Described by Briggs
Ecological Values of the Anabranch Lakes
Legal Framework
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1.
Introduction
This plan has been prepared by GHD Pty Ltd for the Lower Murray Darling Catchment Management
Authority (LMD CMA), Darling Anabranch Environmental Flows (E-flows) Committee and the Darling
Anabranch Project Steering Committee (DA PSC) to document; the previous management of the Darling
Anabranch Lakes, current arrangements and make recommendations for future management. Future
management for the purpose of this plan is related to the decision making process for regulators and
structures in the event of a flood, where Anabranch Water (AW) is required to equitably partition water to
lakes for the objective of providing economic benefits through lake bed cropping, restoring natural
hydrological and ecological processes.
This plan will be used by AW to operate lake regulators and structures and therefore requires formal
endorsement by that body as well as relevant stakeholders and agencies, as described in Table 10.
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2.
Acknowledgements
GHD would like to acknowledge the following people for their contribution to this report:
»
Keith Forster - Anabranch Water Trust and Landholder;
»
Gary Hill - Lakebed Cropper;
»
Mike Erny - DWE;
»
Karen Clark - WHK Thomsons;
»
Arthur Latta - Private Consultant;
»
Mike Arandt – State Water;
»
Bill Tatnell - LMD CMA;
»
Scott Barnes – NSW Department of Commerce;
»
Environmental Flows Advisory Committee; and
»
Darling Anabranch Project Steering Committee
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3.
Assumptions
Anabranch Water is the corporate name for the Board of Management of the Great Anabranch of the
Darling River Private Water Supply and Irrigation District. Private water supply and irrigation districts
such as this, are constituted under Division 2 of the Water Management Act 2000, and defined in the Act
as Private Irrigation Districts (PID's). A PID may construct, maintain and operate water supply works on
sites, which the Governor has authorised.
The process of handing over responsibility from the Anabranch Water Trust to Anabranch Water will
formalise the body that will be responsible for decision-making and regulator/structure operation under
this plan. Therefore the body to be responsible for the future operation and maintenance of
regulators/structures and hence water delivery decision-making to the Anabranch Lakes will be
Anabranch Water.
This management plan is reliant on the findings of processes and reports being developed in tandem.
This document should be revised once the findings of the following processes and reports are finalised:
»
The Memorandum of Understanding for Nearie Lake (DECC);
»
Darling Anabranch Lakes Responsibility Plan (Arthur Latta);
»
Environmental Flows Implementation Plan (SKM);
»
Handover of the operation and maintenance of regulators from the Anabranch Water Trust to
Anabranch Water;
»
Review of the cropping permit conditions for receding floodwater cropping (NSW Department of
Lands); and
»
Adaptive Management Plan for DA Lakes (proposed by Darling Anabranch E-flows committee).
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4.
Purpose
The purpose of this Anabranch Lakes Management Plan is to document the management of the Darling
Anabranch Lake system’
s water, native vegetation and crop management practices that maintain or
improve:
»
Environmental values;
»
Protect cultural values;
»
Economic resources; and
»
Social values.
Previous management and decision-making processes of the Anabranch Lakes has not been formally
documented. Decision-making was undertaken by individuals, acting in good faith for fair and equitable
outcomes for lakebed croppers taking into account the recommendations from Jenkins and Briggs’
(1995) Guidelines on Lakebed Cropping.
The aim of this plan is to document a transparent and practical process to ensure that the above values
are maintained or improved.
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5.
Background
The Greater Darling Anabranch is an ancestral channel of the Darling River, ephemeral in nature, which
receives water from the Darling River when flows upstream of the Anabranch offtake exceed 10 000
ML/day or via Tandou and Redbank Creeks when flow passing Menindee exceeds 20 000 ML/day
(Harriss et al 1991). The Lakes associated with the Darling Anabranch are therefore episodic wetlands,
with varying wetting and drying cycles.
There are 11 large lakes and several lesser lakes and wetlands which are connected at various levels
and reaches of the Anabranch, having varying natural flooding patterns. Figure 1 outlines the location of
major lakes of the Anabranch. Under natural conditions the Anabranch flowed about every two years out
of three in the upper reaches and less frequently down stream (Irish 1992). About every two and a half
years flows reached half way down the system (Withers 1994).
The Darling Anabranch has, in the past serviced the stock and domestic water requirements of the
adjoining farms. Replenishment flows in the order of 50 000 M/L were released annually from the
Menindee Lakes system. During certain flood events, water was able to enter the lakes connected to the
Anabranch and on private land where cultivation consents existed, crops were sown following the
recession of floodwater. The role of the in-stream structures in aiding lake inundation by controlling water
levels was reported in the Darling Anabranch Environmental Impact Statement (DA EIS) as minimal.
Lakebed cropping commenced in the late 1950’
s, growing a variety of cereals, oil seeds and fodder
crops dependant on the moisture content of the soil and the season when sowing conditions were
suitable. Crops were generally sown when the lakebed was solid enough to support tractors.
Due to the un-natural flow patterns and large system losses (47 000 ML, through evaporation and
seepage) the Darling Anabranch Management Plan (DAMP) was developed to pipe the stock and
domestic water requirements and re-instate more natural flows to the Anabranch (eg ephemeral rather
than permanent) which included removing or modifying in-stream structures. The proposed
implementation of the environmental flow regime flows will be documented in the Darling Anabranch
Environmental Flows Implementation Plan (SKM 2008) and will assist the Department of Environment
and Climate Change (DECC) and Department of Water and Energy (DWE) on the allocation of
environmental water.
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Tandou
Tandou Creek
Redbank Creek
REDBANK
LITTLE LAKES
Darling Anabranch
T
Darling River
CHINAMANS
LAKE MINDONA
POPILTAH
AF
POPIO
LITTLE
PINE
BINJIE
ROTTEN
NIALIA
YELTA
NEARIE
DR
WINDAMINGLE
TRAVELLERS
WARRAWENIA
THREE MILE
NITCHIE
LAKE MILKENGAY
TOORA
BULPUNGA
Oakbank
Murray River
1:500,000
0
5
10
20
Kilometres (at A3)
Map Projection: Transverse Mercator
Horizontal Datum: Geocentric Datum of Australia 1994
Grid: Map Grid of Australia, Zone 54
o
LMD CMA
Anabranch Lakes Management Plan
Job Number
Revision
Date
Anabranch Lakes
Figure 1 Darling Anabranch Lakes
G:\31\22915\CADD\GIS\Arcview
©
31-22915
C
20 October 2008
2007. While GHD has taken care to ensure the accuracy of this product, GHD (LEGAL ENTITY) and DATA CUSTODIAN(S), make no representations or warranties about its accuracy, completeness or suitability for any particular purpose.
GHD and DATA CUSTODIAN cannot accept liability of any kind (whether in contract, tort or otherwise) for any expenses, losses, damages and/or costs (including indirect or consequential damage) which are or may be incurred as a result of the product being inaccurate, incomplete or unsuitable in any way and for any reason.
Data source: LMD CMA. Created by: F Deans
6.
Stakeholders
Several stakeholders have an interest in the management of the Anabranch Lakes. These range from
land managers to policy makers. With the establishment of Anabranch Water (PID), this body will be
responsible for construction, operation and maintenance of the regulators/structures associated with the
lakes. Anabranch Water will also have a management role in the distribution of floodwater to the lakes
through agreement with agencies, under this Lake Plan. Table 1 outlines the various stakeholders
associated with the Anabranch Lakes and the areas of interest and influence.
Table 1
Stakeholders of the Anabranch Lakes
Regulatory/Decision Making
Bodies
Referral Groups
Committees/ Bodies to be
consulted
Department of Water and
Energy
NSW Department of Lands
NSW Murray Wetlands Working
Group
State Water
Department of Primary
Industries
Barkindji Elders Council
Lower Murray Darling CMA
Anabranch Lakebed Croppers
Department of Environment and
Climate Change
Wentworth Shire Council
Murray Darling Freshwater
Research Centre
Murray Darling Basin
Commission
Darling Anabranch
Environmental Flows
Committee
(Menindee Lakes regulator
operation)
Anabranch Water
(Anabranch Lakes regulator
operation)
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7.
Previous Management of the Lakes and Lake
Regulators
Prior to the establishment of Anabranch Water, the Anabranch Water Trust was responsible for the
management and decision-making associated with the Anabranch Lakes regulators / structures. The
general principles adopted during the decision making process were taken from two reports, Guidelines
for Managing Cropping on Lakes in the Murray-Darling Basin (Briggs & Jenkins 1997) and Ecological
Management of Lakebed Cropping on the Lakes of the Great Anabranch of the Darling River (Jenkins &
Briggs 1995). These principles as described by Keith Forster (2008, pers. comm.) include:
»
Lakes were to be fully inundated so that fringing native vegetation received water as well as the
lakebeds; and
»
The sequential list was followed where complete inundation could be achieved.
Figure 2 is a typical decision making process followed by the Anabranch Water Trust when a flood of
sufficient magnitude was known to enter the Darling Anabranch and available for lake inundation.
The flooding sequence of the Anabranch Lakes from 1970 to date is summarised in Table 2. To date 28
cropping permits exist over the lakes.
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Anabranch Trust
Notified of flood volume
available.
Equivalent of
DWE
From a list of previous
flood events allocate
water to lakes that are
“next in line”
Anabranch
Water Trust
Of those lakes that are
“next in line” allocate
water to those which,
given the volumes
available will fill
Anabranch
Water Trust
Notify lake croppers of
the allocation of water
to their lake and
expected timing of the
flood.
Anabranch
Water Trust
Regulators opened or
block banks removed to
allow flood-waters to
enter lakes.
Anabranch
Water Trust
Crops sown on
receding waters
Lakebed
Croppers
Regulators/block banks
closed to prevent
replenishment flows
from entering lakes
Anabranch
Water Trust
Figure 2 Previous Decision Making Process
Popiltah
C
C
Popio
C
C
Mindona
C
C
Little (Manilla)
NC
Travellers
C
Nialia
NC
Yelta
C
Binjie
C
Nitchie
C
Warrawenia
C
C
Nearie
NC
NC
Chinamans
NC
Redbank
NC
Little Lake
(Tordowns)
NC
Pine
C
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C
C
C
C
C
C
C
C
C
C
C
C
C
C
C
C
C
C
C
C
C
C
C
NC
2008
2007
2006
2005
2004
2003
C
C
NC
2002
C
C
C
2001
C
C
C
C
2000
C
C
C
1999
1998
1997
1996
1995
1994
1993
1992
1991
1990
1989
1988
1987
1986
1985
1984
1983
1982
1981
1980
1979
1978
1977
1976
Flooding sequence of the anabranch lakes
1975
Table 2
C
C
C
C
C
NC
NC
10
2008
2007
2006
2005
2004
2003
2002
2001
2000
1999
1998
1997
1996
1995
1994
1993
1992
1991
1990
1989
1988
1987
1986
1985
1984
1983
1982
1981
1980
1979
1978
1977
1976
1975
Blue
Windamingle
C
Oakbank
C
C
Three Mile
NC
C
Milkengay
C
C
Rotten
NC
Toora
C
C
C
C
C
C
C
C
C
C
C
Bulpunga
NC
C
Inundated all year
Not Cropped
Cropped
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8.
Values of the Anabranch Lakes
The following chapter provides a brief overview of the values of the Anabranch Lakes, including
ecological, indigenous, social and economic. The identification of values indicates the importance of the
lakes due to the broad range of services they provide, be they for conservation, agricultural, cultural or
visual amenity purposes. The focus of this chapter on the benefits provided by the lakes highlights the
overall objective of this plan to protect and enhance the lakes to ensure that they are able to continue to
provide a broad range of services into the future. These values should be the basis of an adaptive
monitoring program.
8.1
Ecological Values1
Table 3
Flora species associated with the Anabranch Lakes
Key to Table:
EPBC
Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999
TSC
Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995
Conservation Significance:
CR
Critically Endangered
EN
Endangered
VU
Vulnerable
**
Introduced species
%
Species listed as threatened in NSW and/or Australia
Threat Status
Ephemeral Herbland
Red Water Milfoil
Myriophyllum sp.
Dock
Rumex sp.
Knotweed
Persicaria sp.
Hairy Carpetweed
Glinus lotoides
Jersey Cudweed
Gnaphalium luteoalbum
Spreading Nutheads
Epaltes australis
Sneezeweeds
Centipeda spp.
Blue Rod
Morgania floribunda
Menindee Nightshade %
Solanum karsense
EPBC
TSC
VU
VU
Lignum Shrubland
1
Spiny Lignum
Muehlenbeckia horrida
Tangled Lignum
Muehlenbeckia florulenta
Information contained within the tables derived from Briggs and Townsend (1993), and Read (1994).
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Black Box Woodland
Black Box
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Table 4
Avifauna recorded or predicted to occur from the Anabranch Lakes
Key to Table:
EPBC
TSC
CR
EN
Endangered
VU
Vulnerable
**
Introduced species
%
Threat Status
Wetland Birds
EPBC
Eurasian Coot
Fulica atra
Great Cormorant
Phalacrocorax carbo
Little Black Cormorant
Phalacrocorax sulcirostris
Pied Cormorant
Phalacrocorax varius
Little Pied Cormorant
Phalacrocorax melanoleucos
Pink-eared Duck
Malacorhynchus membranaceus
Freckled Duck
Stictonetta naevosa
Australasian Shoveler
Anas rhynchotis
Darter
Anhinga melanogaster
Great Egret
Ardea alba
White-necked Heron
Ardea pacifica
Royal Spoonbill
Platalea regia
Glossy Ibis
Plegadis falcinellus
Black-winged Stilt
Himantopus himantopus
Red-necked Avocet
Recurvirostra novaehollandiae
Australian Painted Snipe
Rostratula australis
Brolga
Grus rubicunda
TSC
VU
VU
EN
VU
Woodland Birds
White-winged Fairy Wren
Malurus leucopterus
Stubble Quail
Coturnix pectoralis
Rufous Songlark
Cincloramphus mathewsi
Buff-rumped Thornbill
Acanthiza reguloides
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Brown Falcon
Falco berigora
Crested Pigeon
Ocyphaps lophotes
Galah
Cacatua roseicapilla
Blue Bonnet
Northiella haematogaster
Striated Thornbill
Acanthiza lineata
Brown Treecreeper
Climacteris picumnus
White-winged Chough
Corcorax melanorhamphos
Apostlebird
Struthidea cinerea
Pied Butcherbird
Cracticus nigrogularis
Black-eared Miner
Manorina melanotis
EN
EN
Regent Parrot
Polytelis anthopeplus
VU
EN
Redthroat
Pyrrholaemus brunneus
VU
Black-breasted Buzzard
Hamirostra melanosternon
VU
Pink Cockatoo
Cacatua leadbeateri
VU
Diamond Firetail
Stagonopleura guttata
VU
Table 5
Mammals recorded or predicted to occur from the Anabranch Lakes
Key to Table:
EPBC
TSC
CR
EN
Endangered
VU
Vulnerable
**
Introduced species
%
Threat Status
EPBC
Western Grey Kangaroo
Macropus fuliginosus
Red Kangaroo
Macropus rufus
Common Wallaroo
Macropus robustus
Short-beaked Echidna
Tachyglossus aculeatus
Paucident Planigale
Planigale gilesi
Fat-tailed Dunnart
Sminthopsis crassicaudata
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Common Dunnart
Sminthopsis murina
Narrow-nosed Planigale
Planigale tenuirostris
Gould’
s Wattled Bat
Chalinolobus gouldii
Little Pied Bat
Chalinolobus picatus
VU
Inland Forest Bat
Vespadelus baverstocki
VU
Greater Long-eared Bat
Nyctophilus timoriensis
Common Brushtail
Possum
Trichosurus vulpecula
European Rabbit **
Oryctolagus cuniculus
Red Fox **
Vulpes vulpes
Feral Goat **
Capra hircus
Feral Pig **
Sus scrofa
House Mouse **
Mus musculus
Table 6
VU
VU
Reptiles and Amphibians recorded or predicted to occur from the Anabranch Lakes
Key to Table:
EPBC
TSC
CR
EN
Endangered
VU
Vulnerable
**
Introduced species
%
Threat Status
Reptiles
EPBC
Central Beared Dragon
Pogona vitticeps
Painted Dragon
Ctenophorus pictus
Lined Earless Dragon
Tympanocryptis lineata
Saltbush Morethia Skink
Morethia adelaidensis
South-eastern Morethia
Skink
Morethia boulengeri
Common Dwarf Skink
Menetia greyii
Shingleback Skink
Tiliqua rugosa
Carnaby’
s Wall Skink
Cryptoblepharus carnabyi
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Threat Status
Reptiles
EPBC
Central Beared Dragon
Pogona vitticeps
Tessellated Gecko
Diplodactylus tessellatus
Beaked Gecko
Rhynchoedura ornata
Curl Snake
Suta suta
Yellow-faced Whipsnake
Demansia psammophis
Mulga Snake
Pseudechis australis
Western Brown Snake
Pseudonaja nuchalis
TSC
Frogs
Spotted Marsh Frog
Limnodynastes tasmaniensis
Eastern Banjo Frog
Limnodynastes dumerilii
Sudell’
s Frog
Neobatrachus sudelli
Painted Burrowing Frog
Neobatrachus pictus
Southern Bell Frog
Litoria raniformis
Table 7
EN
VU
EN
Fish of the Anabranch Lakes
Key to Table:
EPBC
TSC
CR
EN
Endangered
VU
Vulnerable
**
Introduced species
%
Threat Status
EPBC
Carp **
Cyprinus carpio
Redfin **
Perca fluviatilis
Golden Perch
Macquaria ambigua
Bony Bream
Nematalosa erebi
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8.2
Indigenous Cultural Heritage
The Barkindji people are associated with land extending from Lake Victoria (south of the Anabranch),
along the Anabranch itself, to as far north as Broken Hill and Lake Mungo. This occupation occurred for
at least 47,000 years (Balme and Hope 1990). Cultural heritage sites that have been identified include
open camps, middens, burials and stone arrangements. The majority of recorded archaeological
evidence occurs around the lunettes of the lakes. In addition, models developed by Craib (Bonhomme
Craib 2001) identified likely areas of Aboriginal significance were strongly associated with the presence
of water (DAMP Steering Committee 2002).
Local Aboriginal elders and other relevant community members were consulted during the development
of the Darling Anabranch Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) to identify preliminary community views,
assist in the planning of cultural heritage studies, and to participate in the field based assessments.
Consultation revealed that the Barkindji group was particularly concerned about the preservation of
Aboriginal archaeological sites.
An Aboriginal Community Discussion Forum was held on 18th July 2008 as part of the Anabranch
Environmental Flows Project. This meeting was an opportunity for the Barkindji Elders to discuss
concerns about the management of the Anabranch. The only recorded reference to the Anabranch Lakes
was concern expressed that inundating the lakes would reduce water in the Anabranch.
Of importance to this project is the request made that Aboriginal representatives be engaged as site
monitors during the construction phase of projects. This is of particular importance where block banks on
lake beds are removed or modified. Where available reference to cultural heritage management
protocols would assist in the communication and management of works in relation to Aboriginal Cultural
Heritage(Earth Tech 2004).
If any previously unidentified Aboriginal archaeological or historical cultural resources are encountered
during the course of construction of infrastructure, all works likely to affect the material shall cease
immediately and the Cultural Heritage Branch of the NSW Department of Environment and Climate
Change (DECC), the Barkindji Elders, the Dareton or Menindee Local Aboriginal Land Councils, or the
NSW Heritage Office consulted about an appropriate course of action prior to recommencement of work.
8.3
Social Values
Many of the landholders are long-term residents who have been living in the Anabranch area for between
20 and 80 years. These landholders have a strong historical connection to the Anabranch, with some
families having lived for generations in the area, in fact earlier generations of some families being the
initial pioneers. (DAMP Steering Committee 2002). The Anabranch and the lakes are also a place for
visitors, including bird watchers, fishing, bushwalking, camping and creating art. Although Nearie Lake
Nature Reserve is not a National Park and is therefore not established for visitation it can be utilised for
scientific and educational purposes.
During the development of the Darling Anabranch EIS landholders were consulted on issues pertaining
to social, environmental, economic and water and property rights (EarthTech 2004). During the
development of this plan landholders have been involved through representation on the Environmental
Flows Steering Committee by lakebed croppers. Lakebed croppers were involved in a workshop in July
2008. This was an opportunity for them to gain an understanding of the development of this management
plan and raise concerns. The plan has also been distributed to representatives of the lakebed croppers
for comment.
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8.4
Economic Values
The Darling Anabranch Lakes provide the opportunity for cropping following receding floodwaters. This
method of farming is by definition, opportunistic and therefore not the primary income landholders rely on
from their farming enterprise. However, lakebed cropping can provide a lucrative income when the
opportunity arises. An economic survey conducted by Thomsons Advisers (1999) found that total income
from the 30 respondents showed productivity from non-lakebed farming ranged from nearly $2.5 million
in 1994 to $4 million in 1996. This can be compared against the Lake Bed cropping that occurred in 1998
which generated a total of around $4 million (DAMP Steering Committee 2002).
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9.
Overview of Lakebed Cropping and Regulators
In the Darling Anabranch system, 25 receding floodwater cropping permits currently exist over 14 lakes
which equates to 26 294ha of potential cropped area. The NSW Department of Lands is currently
reviewing these permits and associated conditions, including those permits that are due for renewal and
those which have an indefinite status. NSW Lands has referred these conditions to the Department of
Primary Industries (DPI), DECC, the Lakebed Croppers and the Lower Murray Darling CMA for
comment. Through the review of the permits and conditions, these agencies have an opportunity to
influence the management of lakebed cropping. When finalised, these conditions should be included as
an addendum to this management plan as particular cropping practices are an important component of
ecologically sustainable lake management.
9.1
Sustainable Practices for Opportunistic Cropping
Sustainable cropping practices for lakebed cropping have been documented by Jenkins and Briggs in
1995 and no further documents to date have been produced to supersede this. Given the lack of a recent
update to this report, the Jenkins and Briggs 1995 report will be the basis for establishing ecological
cropping guidelines along with the current and revised cropping permit conditions.
The principles of sustainable lakebed cropping identified by Jenkins and Briggs (1995) are generally
practiced by Anabranch Lake croppers, however it should be noted that these are guidelines only and do
not form part of lake cropper’
s permits. The general principles of lakebed cropping identified by Briggs
and the current practices are compared in Table 8.
Table 8
Comparison of cropping practices between Briggs recommendations and current
permit conditions and Proposed Conditions
Recommended By Jenkins
and Briggs 1995
Example of recent cropping
consent conditions
Proposed Conditions
Cropping is usually undertaken
without fertilizers, pesticides or
herbicides
Products based on
Chlorsulfuron, Dicamba,
Picloram, 2,4,D Diuron or
Atrazine or any product not
registered for the specific
purpose in terms of the
Pesticides Act 1978 shall not be
used to control weeds in winter
crops.
Some locust pesticides have
been used in the past.
Process for licencing of
chemical use on individual
basis. NASAA (DECC) and
APVMA list to be the basis and
anything outside that to be
licenced.
Some lakes carry an organic
accreditation. Others are grown
organically but do not have the
formal accreditation.
NB. Tests have found chemical
residue in soils possibly from the
water not application by
croppers.
Crops are not planted annually.
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Permits are for cultivation on
Management Plan
Flood or rainfall that inundates a
20
Recommended By Jenkins
and Briggs 1995
Only following receding
floodwaters when the soil
moisture level is optimum and
timing is right for sowing.
Example of recent cropping
consent conditions
receding floodwaters.
Proposed Conditions
Sowing of multiple crops
following rainfall is not
recommended.
Cultivation is granted on soil
moisture resulting from receding
floodwaters. Separate consents
are required for dryland or
irrigation.
Sowing of successive crops
following rainfall is not
recommended.
Lakes should be allowed to
return to their vegetated state
following harvest rather than
bare fallowed.
Retention of native vegetation
as a source of seed for
revegetation is to be maintained.
Stubble is to be retained except
with the approval of the
Commissioner.
Lakes should be allowed to
return to their vegetated state
following harvest rather than
bare fallowed.
Cropping does not prevent the
natural flooding and drying
process.
Not specified
Regulator management not to
prevent natural flooding and
drying process
Trees are not cleared prior to
cropping, although shrubs may
be.
Areas carrying stands of bladder
salt bush, old man saltbush,
cotton saltbush, Mitchell grass
or copper clover shall be left
uncultivated for a distance of at
least 100m around any stand in
which plants are spaced at 20m
or less apart.
As per the Native Vegetation
Act.
Minimise grazing following a
crop to allow for regeneration
and minimise soil compaction.
Not specified
Requires a measurable stocking
rate, frequency and duration as
per Western Lands Act.
A strip of native vegetation
should be retained on the edge
of the lake between the tree line
and the lake bed as well as
patches within the lakes.
An uncultivated perimeter of
100m is to be permanently
retained.
Lakes will have permits part of
mapped by Lands as part of
permit review based on Briggs
and the Native Vegetation Act.
All lakes to have at least 5% of
the central part of the lake uncropped.
Not specified
9.2
lake for more than 4 weeks.
Removal of stubble (burning) is
to be by permission of the
Commissioner. Need a
measurable amount.
Current Status of the Regulators and Infrastructure
The Water Supply Act 1912 gives Anabranch Water Trust the operation of water supply within their Trust
Boundary.
Lakebed structures would be works that qualify as "water supply works" as described in the WM Act, and
consequently can be works of Anabranch Water (AW). There are no operational rules in the WM Act
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describing how AW should operate its structures. Internal operations are left to AW. The use of AW
works as control structures for containment of environmental flows (E-flows) is outside usual AW
operations. The operation of structures for containment of E-flows will not depend on the legislation, but
rather on a written agreement between AW and whoever the controlling body is to achieve the E-flow
outcomes.
AW will control the structures into the feeder channels to the many lakes, which are naturally filled from
higher flows. All of the structures in the bed of the Anabranch are scheduled to be removed as part of the
plan to release E-flows down the Anabranch, and to allow a more natural flow regime to re-establish. The
remaining works are those designed to control flows into and out of the lakes. These works are to
remain, as they are important not only in their role of controlling higher flows, but in some cases as
essential tools for keeping environmental flows within the main bed of the Anabranch (Latta 2008 in
prep). AW will control these lakebed structures on the feeder channels to the lakes.
9.3
Current Opportunistic Cropping Status and Permit Conditions
Consent to cultivate within the bed of the Anabranch lakes occurs under the condition that the cropping
takes place following the recession of floodwaters. The area, in hectares to be cultivated, is specified on
the cultivation consent as well as general configuration of the actual cultivated area.
These conditions are currently being reviewed by the Department of Lands who have referred the
permits to DECC, DPI and the Lower Murray Darling CMA for comment. The results of this review and
the changes to cropping permit conditions are an important component of lake management. These
conditions will be an addendum to this management plan once finalised.
9.4
Hydrology of the Anabranch and Lakes
The Anabranch Lakes experience a highly variable water regime, where the lakes may be flooded for
months to years and then remain dry for months to decades prior to re-wetting.
The following is a summary of the hydrology contained in the Darling Anabranch EIS-Appendix F; Flow
Modelling Assessment (2004).
9.4.1
Natural Condition Flows - Return Intervals and Timing
»
Inflow to the Darling Anabranch from the Darling River have occurred at flows of approximately
10 000 ML/day measured at Menindee, with an average recurrence interval of 2 to 3 years; Inflows
into the channel sufficient to reach half-way down the actual Anabranch channel occurs
approximately every to years;
»
Based on anecdotal evidence, lakes located midway along the Anabranch received flooding every 7
to 15 years. End of system flows into the Murray River occur less frequently, at about once every 15
years (EIS, Appendix H);
»
Only in major floods did a significant volume of water reach the Murray River via the Anabranch, with
water flowing the full length of the Anabranch to the Murray River only nine times during the period
1890 to 1961 and Lake Nearie flooding about one in 10 to 15 years; and
»
Timing of flows in the Anabranch depends on flows in the Darling River floods in February to April
generally result from summer rainfalls in tributaries in southern Queensland, while those in July and
August result from winter rainfall in central and north-eastern NSW.
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9.4.2
Flow Conditions Prior to the Pipeline
»
Prior to construction of the Anabranch Pipeline up to 50 000 ML of water was released annually to
replenish weir pools in the Anabranch for stock and domestic purposes. Releases were made at a
rate of approximately 500 ML/day for a period of 100 days;
»
It is however noted that only an estimated 3000 ML was used for stock and domestic purposes, with
the rest being lost to evaporation, transmission losses, seepage and the environment (fringing native
vegetation);
»
The development of regulator banks and by-wash banks across the Anabranch flow paths increase
the volume, depth and duration of water that could be held within the Anabranch (and consequently
area inundated) during no-flow periods; and
»
Prior to 1980, replenishment flows typically commenced in May. Post ~1980 replenishment flows
have been made in Spring to provide a more reliable water supply and better water quality during the
major Summer demand period (Withers, 1994, as cited in EIS Appendix F).
9.4.3
Predicted flows post structure removal and modification
Hydraulic modelling (HEC-RAS) undertaken by the NSW Department of Environment and Climate
Change (DECC) considered two scenarios:
»
The existing Anabranch system with the 25 block bank structures and hence in-stream weir pools;
and
»
Proposed modification (to 3 structures) and removal of (15 in-stream block bank) structures to allow
the free passage of environmental flows and taking into account preliminary basic designs to cater for
fish passage.
The results of the HEC-RAS modelling demonstrate the impact of modification of structures within the
Anabranch on modelled water levels in the Anabranch. The following general conclusions have been
made from the HEC-RAS results:
»
Modification and removal of the structures generally results in a drop in water levels;
»
The impact of the structures on water levels are more pronounced for lower flow rates (500 and 800
ML/d) than the high flow rate (2000 ML/d);
»
Additional findings were that flows exceeding 570 ML/d exceeded the river banks in some isolated
areas and flows of 2000 ML/d exceeded the river banks in all areas; and
»
Currently there are no models suitable to predict the water volumes required to commence to flood
individual lakes.
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10. Summary of State Legislation Relevant to Anabranch
Lake Management
The table below summarises the relevant legislation for the management of lakes.
Table 9
Relevant State Legislation Agencies
Issue
Act
Agency
Relevance
Vegetation
Native Vegetation Act 2003
LMD CMA
Clearing of native
vegetation.
Flora & Fauna
Threatened Species
Conservation Act 1995
DECC
Protection of habitat for
threatened species.
Cropping
Western Lands Act 1901
NSW Department of
Lands
Granting of and
compliance with
cultivation consents
Regulator
Operation
By-law under Section 196 of
the Water Management Act
PID Board of
Management
Operation of regulators
and structures.
Fisheries Management Act
1994
DPI – Fisheries
Crown Lands Act 1989
NSW Department of
Lands
Water Management Act 2000
/ Water Act 1912
Cultural Heritage
National Parks and Wildlife
Act 1974.
Earthworks within the
channel and lakes.
DWE
DECC
Protection of cultural
heritage sites.
Especially during any
earth works (regulator
and structure
construction and
maintenance)
All earth works associated with lake structures should be referred to DWE and DECC for advice on any
approvals required. Details of this legislation are in Appendix D.
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11. Flood Management Interactions with Environmental
Flows (E-flows)
As part of the Living Murray Initiative, the supply of stock and domestic entitlements (3,000 ML) will be
made via a pipeline instead of replenishment flows along the Anabranch. This is expected to save
approximately 47 GL pa. The water savings will be utilised to provide an environmental flow regime to
the Anabranch that more closely mimics the natural ephemeral flow regime. It is suggested that this will
require approximately 60 – 75 GL per release with an average two-year frequency over a 10-year cycle
when water is available. It would be deemed desirable that each environmental flow event aimed to
deliver stream flows into the Murray River at the end of the system.
The proposed implementation of environmental flows within the Anabranch channel will be documented
in the Darling Anabranch Environmental Flows Implementation Plan (SKM 2008 in prep).
At this stage, E-flows are designated to be confined within the Anabranch Channel and may not be used
for ecological outcomes in the lakes. The flow volumes planned for release for E-flows are not
considered to be high enough to enter the lakes, however, the lake regulators are still to be closed to
prevent E-flows entering the lakes.
There is potential for E-flows to “piggy back”on a flood event. The difference in the volume of water in
the system allocated as E-flows and that which is “flood”water would require definition so that only
floodwater entered lakes. This will require careful consideration and communication between the E-flows
committee and AW responsible for lake regulators to ensure that water is both optimised for
environmental purposes and the opportunity given by lake inundation for cropping.
A future consideration, which requires further investigation is the use of E-flows for ecological outcomes
in the lakes. The following factors will need to be considered if and when there is surplus E-flows water
available and the E-flows Committee or DECC deems it appropriate to allocate water to the lakes:
»
A documented position held by Anabranch Water on the allocation of water to lakes;
»
An understanding of the current ecological condition of the lakes;
»
An understanding of the natural hydrological processes of the lakes;
»
Ecological objectives for the lakes;
»
Prioritisation of the lakes to receive flows based on ecological values;
»
An agreement with the E-flows Committee on the conditions under which E-flows should enter a lake;
»
Agreement from lake landholders on those conditions; and
»
Any other identified considerations, which are deemed necessary.
It should be noted that the potential for E-flows to “piggy back”on a flood event and use of flood water to
enter the lakes largely depends on commence to flow levels of the respective lakes. Although general
information was available regarding previous inundations of the lakes, commence to flow information
was not readily available. This presents a serious limitation in being able to estimate or predict the flows
required to inundate the individual lakes.
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12. Nearie Lake
12.1
Nearie Lake Values
Nearie Lake was dedicated as a Nature Reserve in 1973 following its expiration as part of a Western
Lands Commission Pastoral Lease. It is the only wetland nature reserve along the Anabranch (DECC
2008).
Under the NPW Act 1974, nature reserves are managed to:
»
Conserve biodiversity, maintain ecosystem functions, and protect geological and geomorphological
features and natural phenomena;
»
Conserve places, objects, features and landscapes of cultural value;
»
Promote public appreciation, enjoyment and understanding of the reserve’
s natural and cultural
values; and
»
Provide for appropriate research and monitoring.
In addition to those general management objectives the following specific objectives apply to Nearie
Lake Nature Reserve:
»
The protection and restoration of natural river flows in the Great Darling Anabranch and Darling River
systems;
»
To maintain as far as possible natural flow regimes in and out of the lake to protect wetlands and
waterbird breeding areas in the reserve;
»
The protection of aquatic and terrestrial plants and animals;
»
The protection of Aboriginal burial sites and potential megafauna sites; and
»
The provision of opportunities for scientific research and environmental education use which are
compatible with the conservation of the area (NPWS, 2006).
12.2
Memorandum of Understanding
A Memorandum of Understanding for Nearie Lake was first established in 1995 to document the
preferred management of Nearie Lake for ecological purposes. This MoU is currently being revised by
the DECC in light of the expected changes to hydrology resulting from the changes from replenishment
flows to E-flows.
The draft revised MoU outlines the principles for water management of Nearie Lake according to the type
of flows (environmental, surplus, local rainfall on environmental flows and floods) down the Anabranch.
The MoU requests that Anabranch Water liaise with DECC when a flood event is expected. Nearie Lake
land managers have requested, as with all the lake land managers, that they be consulted during the
decision making process of regulator operation in the event of a flood. The principles of the MoU can
then be applied by DECC and Anabranch Water to decide if it is appropriate to allow water into Nearie
Lake.
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13. Lakes Management Plan Monitoring and Review
An Adaptive Management Monitoring Plan for the Darling Anabranch has been completed (Wallace et al
2007). This plan addresses the ecological objectives of the Anabranch channel and environmental flows
and does not address the Anabranch Lakes. As suggested in the Darling Anabranch AMMP, it could be
expanded upon to include the Anabranch Lakes. This would also function to set ecological objectives
and bring more rigour to the decision-making process. The plan should be reviewed after every major
event.
In addition to the ecological parameters identified in the Darling Anabranch AMMP, other monitoring
specific to the Anabranch Lakes and floodplain could include:
»
Cropping;
»
Water quality; and
»
Hydrology.
13.1
Cropping
Specific parameters recommended for monitoring include:
»
Crop yields;
»
Crop type;
»
% Protein of yields;
»
Chemical use;
»
Amount of cultivations;
»
Area sown.
13.2
Water Quality
»
Water Quality Entering Lakes;
»
Water Quality Exiting Lakes.
13.3
Hydrology
As earlier indicated, results of the hydraulic modelling indicate that modification and removal of the
structures will generally result in a reduced water levels in the Anabranch. It is therefore important that a
monitoring program be considered to monitor flood levels and flows during flood events in order to
improve decision-making on system operation and management of future flood events. Where possible,
monitoring should be undertaken on both the Darling Anabranch and the lakes to improve understanding
of the interaction between flows in the Anabranch and inundation of the lakes under the changed
conditions.
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13.4
Review
The Lakes Management Plan should be reviewed following any flow or flood event. This needs to be
done to facilitate the inclusion of any appropriate amendments to account for any changes in priorities for
future environmental watering events.
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14. General Recommendations
The following recommendations relate to the considerations and future information required to improve
decision making in the management of the Anabranch Lakes as well as;
Current Considerations
»
Structures/regulators to remain open for the "normal duration", defined as the time taken to allow
floodwater in and then out so that fish that may have entered the lake with the inflowing water are
given a cue to move back to the anabranch and avoid stranding.
»
Inform each relevant agency of planned lake inundation so that opportunistic monitoring can take
place where possible (DPI, MDFRC, DECC, State Water etc).
»
The prioritisation of lakes, where feasible to be based on historical allocations so that water is
delivered equitably for economic opportunities and environmental outcomes.
»
It needs to be recognised that before regulation the upper lakes were to likely have more frequent
opportunities which is the natural sequence. Provisions will need to be made to equitably consider all
lakes.
»
Unable to change priority from history of inundation until a Monitoring Program for the Lakes is
established. This will then require the Lakes Management Plan to be re-addressed to include the
Adaptive Management of the Lakes as part of the prioritising decision-making.
»
Prioritisation using the Adaptive Management Program will require joint by an Environmental Flows
Committee (Lakes Adaptive Management Committee) including representatives from AW, E-flows
Committee and other stakeholders, to facilitate joint decision-making. Decisions will be made on an
ecological basis with consideration to the potential of economic / social losses that may result.
Information Gaps
»
Monitoring of flood levels in the Anabranch channel and lakes to gain information.
»
Development of a hydraulic model of the commence to flows for the Anabranch Lakes.
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15. Future Decision Making Institutional Arrangements
15.1
Decision Making Triggers
The requirement for a regulatory body to make recommendations to DWE about which lakes to flood are
likely to only occur in flood events. Table 10 lists the main flow events and the responsible agency.
Table 10
Anabranch flows and Responsibility for Water Management
Type of Flow
Event
Organisation
Responsible
In Consultation
Major Flood Event
DWE
Anabranch Water
Murray Darling Basin Commission
(When water is
still available after
all anabranches
are full)
State Water
Anabranch Water
Medium Flood
Event
DPI
(When water is
available over and
above an
environmental
flow, but not likely
to be sufficient to
fill all the lakes).
Environmental
Flow
DECC
DWE
Environmental Flows Committee
Lakebed Croppers
MDBC
State Water
DECC
Anabranch Water
DPI
(Water for
adaptive
environmental
management,
which generally
stays within the
Channel).
DWE
Environmental Flows Committee
LMD CMA
In addition, during major flood events it is likely that all the lakes will be flooded, so therefore no decision
on which lakes to flood would be required. Hence, recommendations are only likely to be required in
minor flood events where there is insufficient water for all lakes to be flooded.
The constitution of Anabranch Water enables the Board of Management to determine the quantity of
water to be supplied to lakes for the purposes of lakebed cropping and environmental outcomes. It is
suggested that the water management arrangements for Anabranch Water should cover the following
provisions:
»
Decision making objectives;
»
Decision making responsibilities and processes; and
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»
Considerations in prioritising which lakes to fill.
15.2
Decision Making Objectives
It is suggested that the following objectives be adopted by Anabranch Water Board for the lakebed
flooding:
»
Seek to enhance economic, environmental and social outcomes.
»
Aim to achieve an equitable and transparent sharing of water to flood lakebeds over time;
»
Anabranch Water to assist landholders in planning by providing information on the rotation of lakes for
flooding as early as possible.
15.3
Decision Making Responsibilities and Processes
Once the predicted amount of available water has been notified to Anabranch Water by DWE/State
Water, the decision as to what water is allocated to which lakes should be made by the Board chairman,
in consultation with the General Manager of AW, if time permits.
During the actual filling process, when decisions often have to be made in a very short time-frame (often
within the hour) these decisions should be made by the Chairman, or his appointee. Decisions made
should be documented, and if considered necessary by the Board, ratified at its next meeting.
15.4
Lakes to Filling Rotational Order
In determining which lakes to flood it is recommended that the following process be adopted.
1. Categorise lakes into priorities for the next flood event.
Categorisation of the lakes should be based on the history of flooding of the lakes.
The basis of this approach is that the first priority should be the requirements of getting water to those
lakes that have had the least watering.
By giving priority to those that have received the least flooding will overtime maintain economic,
environmental and social equity between the lakes.
Lakebed flooding provides considerable economic opportunities for those who have access to the
lakebed for cropping. As such, it is considered that access to previously flooded lakebeds should be
shared over time
It is suggested that high priority lakes (these inundated the least) be flooded first, followed by medium
and low priority lakes.
This categorising will need to be updated after each flood event and is considered to be a function that
Anabranch Water be responsible to undertake this priority listing as soon as possible after an event.
The priority listing should be made available to stakeholders such as the Environmental Flow Committee,
other agencies and Lake Bed Croppers.
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2 Seek advice from DECC on the quantity of available water for flooding of lakes and then
determine which lakes are to be flooded.
This will also require information on the flow volumes required to have water enter each lake. The
volume of water, which may be a flood event or a flood “piggy backing”an environmental flow will be
a critical factor in the ability for water to enter some lakes.
Should insufficient water be available to flood all the lakes in a priority category, it is preferable that
the residual water may be used to fully inundate one or more smaller lakes in a lower priority
category.
Therefore, the following factors should be taken into account when determining which lakes to flood in
a priority category:
»
The ability for water to be delivered into particular lakes given the planned flow regimes and existing
infrastructure at the various lakes.
»
The available water for lakebed flooding and the capacity of lakes to be flooded, so that all the lakes
to be flooded are completely rather than partially inundated
An example of the coarse filter that could be applied is presented in Figure 3. Information critical to
applying this filter is prioritisation of lakes, quantum of water available and the required flow regime to
have water enter a lake.
3 As part of a future refinement to the Lake Management Plan an adaptive management
monitoring program should be incorporated which will assist to define ecological objectives (if
available) for watering of lakes.
With the development of a Lake Adaptive Management Monitoring Program (AMMP), Anabranch Water
and the Environmental Flows Committee should consider all information available when developing the
Priority lists.
As with the AMMP for the Darling Anabranch channel a similar lake plan will set parameters for
monitoring the baseline condition of the lakes and the implementation of this management plan. The data
collected (ie. water quality, flora, fauna, soils, crop statistics) will provide a sound basis for decisionmaking which maintains or improves the ecological condition of the lakes and sustainable cropping
practices.
If an adaptive management monitoring program is developed for the Anabranch Lakes, that this Lakes
Management Plan gets reviewed by suitable stakeholders and accordingly amended.
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If Yes
If Yes
If Yes
Figure 3 Coarse Filter for Allocations of Flood Water to
Anabranch Lakes.
16. Conclusion
The two-step process outlined in Section 15.3 provides Anabranch Water and the Environmental Flows
Committee with a sound, documented approach to a lakebed flood that meets the decision-making
objectives in Section 15.2. The process:
»
Seeks to enhance environmental, economical and social outcomes by prioritising lakes based on
documented historical inundation linked to an Adaptive Management Monitoring Program.
»
Aims to achieve an equitable sharing of access to flood water for lakebed cropping and environmental
purposes over time through consideration of the history of flooding;
»
Provides a transparent process for decision making in terms of which lakes get flooded; and
»
Assists landholders in planning by providing information of this flooding regime on the priority of lakes
for flooding.
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17. References
Balme, J. & Hope, J. (1990) Radio carbon dates from midden sites in the Lower Darling River area of
Western NSW. In Archaeology in Oceania 25 (3): 85-101.
Bonhomme Craib & Associates (2001) Darling Anabranch Cultural Heritage and Social Values Study.
Briggs, S. & Jenkins, K. (1997). Guidelines for managing cropping on lakes in the Murray-Darling Basin.
National Parks and Wildlife Service. Canberra
Briggs, S. and Townsend, G. (1993) Restoration and Management of Nearie Lake. NPWS. Lyneham.
DECC (2008). 2008 Memorandum of Understanding Between the Lower Darling Area of the Department
of Environment and Climate Change (DECC), Anabranch Water (AW) and the Department of Water and
Energy (DWE). DECC.
Earth Tech. (2004). Darling Anabranch Environmental Impact Statement for stock and domestic water
and the reinstatement of environmental flows. Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Natural
Resources. Buronga.
Elstone, A. (1995) Great Darling Anabranch of the Darling River. Draft Management Plan (Scoping
Document).
K Forster 2008, pers comm., 15 May
Harriss, D., Schroo, H. & Everson, D. (1991). Issues for Management of the Water Resources of the
Great Anabranch of the Darling River. In: T. McGlynn, D. Harriss and D. Everson (eds) Great Darling
Anabranch Forum. Proceedings of July 1991 Forum. Sydney: Department of Water Resources, ISBN 0
7305 7864X.
Irish, J (1992). Nearie Lake Nature Reserve: Historical Frequency of Inflows. Report TS92.017.
Department of Water Resources, Sydney.
Jenkins, K. & Briggs, S. (1995). Ecological Management of Lakebed Cropping on the Lakes of the Great
Anabranch of the Darling River. Final Report. NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service.
Latta, A. (2008) Darling Anabranch Lakes Responsibility Plan. Report to Lower Murray Darling
Catchment Management Authority. Buronga. DRAFT
MDFRC (2007) NPWS July (2006) Nearie Lake Nature Reserve, Draft Plan of Management. NSW
National Parks and Wildlife Service.
Read, D.G. (1994) Fauna survey in the floodplain of the great Anabranch of the lower darling river.
Report to the NSW NPWS. Bathurst.
Thomsons Consulting Group (1999). Darling Anabranch Management Plan. Regional Profile Study.
Wallace, T., McGuffie, P., Scholz, O., Nielsen, D.L., Bowen, T., Sharpe, C., Baldwin, D., Reid, J.,
McCarthy, B. Murray (1997). The Darling Anabranch Adaptive Management Monitoring Plan: Condition
and Intervention Monitoring Program. MDFRC Report to the LMD CMA. Buronga.
Withers, M. (1994). Flooding and water conservation in the Great Anabranch of the Darling River. Report
to National Parks and Wildlife Service. Sydney.
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18. Acronyms
AW
Anabranch Water
AWT
Anabranch Water Trust
DA PSC
Darling Anabranch Project Steering Committee
DECC
Department of Environment and Climate Change
DPI
Department of Primary Industries
DWE
Department of Water and Energy
EIS
Environmental Impact Statement
EPBC Act
Environment Protection and Biodiversity Act 1999
HEC-RAS
A modelling program to determine the extent, velocity, volume and height of overland
flows.
LMD CMA
Lower Murray Darling Catchment Management Authority
MDFRC
Murray Darling Freshwater Research Centre
MoU
Memorandum of Understanding
NPW Act
National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974
NPWS
National Parks and Wildlife Service
PID
Private Irrigation Districts
TSC Act
WM Act
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Appendix A
Volume and Frequency of Lake Inundation
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Management Plan
Table 11
The volume and frequency of inundation of Anabranch Lakes and suggested priority
Lake
Area
(ha)
Depth (m)
Volume (GL)
Frequency of
Inundation
since 1975 –
2008
Binjie
400
No data
No data
6
Chinamans
400
No data
No data
1
Little
500
No data
No data
3
Bulpunga
Little Lakes (Tor
Downs)
1
Oakbank
4
Milkengay
2100
No data
30
3
Mindona
10 500
No data
280
5
Nearie
2100
8.2
85
4
Nialia
3300
No data
85
5
Nitchie
600
3.6
55
4
Pine
400
No data
No data
1
Popiltah
9100
7.2
580
4
Popio
6700
6.2
300
6
Rotten
250
No data
No data
1
Travellers
11 000
4.5
280
5
Warrawenia
1400
7.6
140
6
Windamingle
120
No Data
Need Data
1
Yelta
3500
No data
85
6
31/22915/601562
Management Plan
Appendix B
Recommended Un-cropped Perimeter as
Described by Briggs
31/22915/601562
Management Plan
Table 12
The recommended un-cropped perimeter for lakes based on lake areas (Briggs)
Lake
Area (ha)
Un-cropped
Perimeter Band
(m)
Popiltah
9100
200
Popio
6700
200
Mindona
10 500
200
Little
500
100
Chinamans
400
100
Travellers
11 000
200
Pine
400
100
Rotten
250
100
Nialia
3300
150
Yelta
3500
150
Binjie
400
100
Nitchie
600
100
Warrawenia
1400
150
Milkengay
2100
150
Windamingle
120
100
100m for lakes less than 1000ha
150m for lakes between 1000ha and 5000ha
200m for lakes greater than 5000ha
31/22915/601562
Management Plan
Appendix C
Flora and Fauna Records from the
Anabranch Lakes and Surrounds
31/22915/601562
Management Plan
Table 13
Flora species recorded from within the vicinity of the Anabranch Lakes2
Key to Table:
EPBC
TSC
EX
Presumed Extinct
CR
EN
Endangered
VU
Vulnerable
*
Introduced species
Family
Scientific Name
Common Name
EPBC
TSC
Number
Recorded
Aizoaceae
Disphyma crassifolium subsp. clavellatum
30
Glinus lotoides
3
Glinus oppositifolius
1
Mesembryanthemum crystallinum*
Common Ice Plant
2
Mesembryanthemum nodiflorum*
Small Ice Plant
8
Psilocaulon tenue*
Wiry Noon-flower
14
Sarcozona praecox
Sarcozona
1
Tetragonia eremaea
2
Tetragonia moorei
28
Tetragonia tetragonioides
New Zealand Spinach
Trianthema triquetra
78
2
Amaranthaceae
Alternanthera denticulata
Lesser Joyweed
3
Alternanthera nodiflora
Common Joyweed
4
Alternanthera spp.
2
3
Hemichroa diandra
Mallee Hemichroa
4
Ptilotus exaltatus var. exaltatus
Tall Mulla Mulla
43
Ptilotus nobilis
Yellowtails
1
Ptilotus obovatus
Smoke Bush
9
Ptilotus obovatus var. obovatus
Silver Tails
1
Ptilotus polystachyus var.
polystachyus
Long Tails
8
Information derived from the Atlas of NSW Wildlife: http://wildlifeatlas.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/wildlifeatlas/watlas.jsp
31/22915/601562
Management Plan
Family
Scientific Name
Common Name
EPBC
TSC
Number
Recorded
Ptilotus seminudus
3
Ptilotus sessilifolius var. sessilifolius
14
Ptilotus spathulatus f. spathulatus
4
Amaryllidaceae
Crinum flaccidum
Darling Lily
5
Anthericaceae
Thysanotus baueri
8
Apiaceae
Daucus glochidiatus
Native Carrot
Daucus glochidiatus f. G
Trachymene glaucifolia
26
2
Wild Parsnip
1
Doubah
25
Asphodelus fistulosus*
Onion Weed
13
Bulbine alata
Native Leek
9
Bulbine bulbosa
Bulbine Lily
3
Bulbine semibarbata
Wild Onion
7
Apocynaceae
Marsdenia australis
Asphodelaceae
Bulbine spp.
3
Asteraceae
31/22915/601562
Actinobole uliginosum
Flannel Cudweed
26
Angianthus tomentosus
Hairy Cup-flower
2
Arctotheca calendula*
Capeweed
2
Aster subulatus*
Wild Aster
1
Brachyscome ciliaris
Variable Daisy
41
Brachyscome ciliaris var. ciliaris
6
Brachyscome ciliaris var. lanuginosa
5
Brachyscome dentata
2
Brachyscome exilis
Slender Daisy
1
Brachyscome lineariloba
Hard-headed Daisy
71
Brachyscome melanocarpa
Black-seeded Daisy
2
Management Plan
Family
Scientific Name
Common Name
EPBC
TSC
Brachyscome multifida var. multifida
1
Brachyscome nivalis
1
Brachyscome perpusilla var.
tenella
Tiny Daisy
1
Brachyscome spp.
1
Brachyscome trachycarpa
Smooth Daisy
2
Calendula arvensis*
Field Marigold
1
Calocephalus sonderi
Pale Beauty-heads
1
Calotis cuneifolia
Purple Burr-Daisy
1
Calotis cymbacantha
Showy Burr-daisy
9
Calotis erinacea
Tangled Burr-daisy
12
Calotis hispidula
Bogan Flea
68
Calotis moorei
A burr-daisy
Calotis plumulifera
Woolly-headed Burr-daisy
Calotis scabiosifolia var. scabiosifolia
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Number
Recorded
EN
EN
2
1
7
Carduus tenuiflorus*
Winged Slender Thistle
1
Carthamus lanatus*
Saffron Thistle
7
Carthamus tinctorius*
Safflower
1
Cassinia laevis
Cough Bush
1
Centaurea melitensis*
Maltese Cockspur
51
Centipeda crateriformis
1
Centipeda crateriformis subsp. compacta
2
Centipeda cunninghamii
Common Sneezeweed
11
Centipeda minima
Spreading Sneezeweed
1
Centipeda thespidioides
Desert Sneezeweed
3
Chrysocephalum apiculatum
Common Everlasting, Yellow But
2
Chthonocephalus pseudevax
Ground-heads
14
Cirsium vulgare*
Spear Thistle
20
Conyza bonariensis*
Flaxleaf Fleabane
7
Cotula australis
Common Cotula
4
Cotula bipinnata*
Ferny Cotula
2
Management Plan
Family
Scientific Name
Common Name
Cratystylis conocephala
Bluebush Daisy
Dittrichia graveolens*
Stinkwort
EPBC
TSC
Number
Recorded
EN
8
18
Eclipta platyglossa
2
Epaltes australis
Spreading Nut-heads
7
Epaltes cunninghamii
Tall Nut-heads
1
Eriochlamys behrii
Woolly Mantle
6
Euchiton involucratus
Star Cudweed
1
Euchiton sphaericus
3
Gnephosis arachnoidea
3
Gnephosis tenuissima
9
Hedypnois rhagadioloides subsp.
cretica*
Cretan Weed
1
Hedypnois rhagadioloides subsp. rhagadioloides*
1
Hyalosperma demissum
1
Hyalosperma semisterile
2
Hypochaeris glabra*
Smooth Catsear
14
Hypochaeris radicata*
Catsear
27
Isoetopsis graminifolia
Grass Cushion
8
Ixiolaena leptolepis
3
Kippistia suaedifolia
Fleshy Minuria
Lactuca serriola*
Prickly Lettuce
2
Leiocarpa tomentosa
Woolly Plover-daisy
2
EN
Leiocarpa websteri
31/22915/601562
2
3
Lemooria burkittii
Wires-a-wool
Leptorhynchos waitzia
Button Immortelle
1
EN
2
Millotia greevesii
1
Millotia greevesii subsp. greevesii
1
Millotia myosotidifolia
Broad-leaved Millotia
3
Millotia perpusilla
Tiny Bow-flower
3
Minuria cunninghamii
19
Minuria denticulata
2
Minuria integerrima
6
Minuria leptophylla
1
Management Plan
Family
Scientific Name
Common Name
Myriocephalus pluriflorus
Woolly-heads
EPBC
TSC
1
Olearia muelleri
33
Olearia passerinoides subsp. passerinoides
1
Olearia pimeleoides
36
Olearia subspicata
12
Onopordum acaulon*
Stemless Thistle
8
Picris squarrosa
2
Podolepis capillaris
Invisible Plant
76
Podotheca angustifolia
Sticky-heads
6
Pogonolepis muelleriana
7
Polycalymma stuartii
Poached Eggs
74
Pseudognaphalium luteoalbum
Jersey Cudweed
16
Pycnosorus pleiocephalus
32
Reichardia tingitana*
False Sowthistle
8
Rhodanthe corymbiflora
Small White Sunray
15
Rhodanthe floribunda
Common White Sunray
24
Rhodanthe moschata
Rhodanthe pygmaea
36
Pigmy Sunray
13
Rhodanthe spp.
1
Rhodanthe stuartiana
22
Rhodanthe uniflora
2
Rutidosis helichrysoides
1
Rutidosis helichrysoides subsp. helichrysoides
1
Senecio anethifolius subsp. anethifolius
1
Senecio behrianus
31/22915/601562
Number
Recorded
EN
EX
1
Senecio cunninghamii var. serratus
8
Senecio glossanthus
18
Senecio lacustrinus
1
Senecio lanibracteus
1
Senecio murrayanus
1
Senecio productus subsp. productus
1
Management Plan
Family
Scientific Name
Common Name
EPBC
TSC
Number
Recorded
Senecio quadridentatus
Cotton Fireweed
16
Senecio runcinifolius
Tall Groundsel
14
Sonchus asper subsp.
glaucescens*
Prickly Sowthistle
10
Sonchus oleraceus*
Common Sowthistle
51
Triptilodiscus pygmaeus
3
Venidium fastuosum
1
Vittadinia cervicularis
1
Vittadinia cervicularis var. cervicularis
1
Vittadinia cervicularis var. subcervicularis
3
Vittadinia cuneata
113
Fuzzweed
Vittadinia cuneata var. morrisii
3
Vittadinia dissecta
1
Vittadinia eremaea
4
Vittadinia gracilis
7
Vittadinia spp.
2
Waitzia acuminata
Orange Immortelle
Waitzia acuminata var. acuminata
10
3
Xanthium occidentale*
Noogoora Burr, Cockle Burr
7
Xanthium spinosum*
Bathurst Burr
2
Xerochrysum bracteatum
Golden Everlasting
3
Echium plantagineum*
Patterson's Curse
18
Halgania cyanea
Rough Halgania
17
Boraginaceae
Halgania cyanea var. tuberculosa
Heliotropium asperrimum
Rough Heliotrope
2
Heliotropium curassavicum*
Smooth Heliotrope
19
Heliotropium europaeum*
Common Heliotrope
6
Heliotropium supinum*
Prostrate Heliotrope
5
Omphalolappula concava
Burr Stickseed
20
Plagiobothrys plurisepaleus
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5
Management Plan
6
Family
Scientific Name
Common Name
EPBC
TSC
Number
Recorded
Brassicaceae
Alyssum linifolium*
Flax-leaf Alyssum
37
Arabidella eremigena
1
Arabidella nasturtium
3
Blennodia canescens
Wild Stock
1
Brassica tournefortii*
Mediterranean Turnip
41
Carrichtera annua*
Ward's Weed
42
Geococcus pusillus
3
Harmsiodoxa blennodioides
15
Harmsiodoxa brevipes var. brevipes
4
Harmsiodoxa puberula
2
Hymenolobus procumbens*
1
Lepidium fasciculatum
1
Lepidium leptopetalum
4
Lepidium papillosum
Warty Peppercress
10
Lepidium pseudohyssopifolium
Peppercress
10
Lepidium spp.
1
Phlegmatospermum cochlearinum
Oval-podded Cress
18
Raphanus raphanistrum*
Wild Radish
1
Rapistrum rugosum*
Turnip Weed
1
Rorippa palustris*
Yellow Cress
3
Sisymbrium erysimoides
Smooth Mustard
66
Sisymbrium irio*
London Rocket
13
Sisymbrium orientale*
Indian Hedge Mustard
1
Stenopetalum lineare
4
Stenopetalum sphaerocarpum
3
Campanulaceae
31/22915/601562
Wahlenbergia communis
Tufted Bluebell
3
Wahlenbergia fluminalis
River Bluebell
11
Wahlenbergia gracilenta
Annual Bluebell
13
Management Plan
Family
Scientific Name
Common Name
Wahlenbergia gracilis
Sprawling or Australian Bluebell
EPBC
TSC
Number
Recorded
1
Wahlenbergia spp.
6
Wahlenbergia tumidifructa
1
Caryophyllaceae
Gypsophila tubulosa
Annual Chalkwort
2
Herniaria cinerea*
16
Petrorhagia nanteuilii*
1
Scleranthus minusculus
1
Silene apetala*
3
Silene gallica*
18
Spergularia bocconii*
Bocconi's Sand-spurrey
1
Spergularia diandra*
Lesser Sandspurry
3
Spergularia rubra*
Sandspurry
22
Belah
96
Casuarinaceae
Casuarina pauper
Chenopodiaceae
Atriplex acutibractea subsp. acutibractea
13
Atriplex angulata
18
Atriplex conduplicata
11
Atriplex eardleyae
29
Atriplex holocarpa
Pop Saltbush
Atriplex infrequens
A saltbush
Atriplex leptocarpa
Slender-fruit Saltbush
20
VU
1
33
Atriplex limbata
22
Atriplex lindleyi
47
Atriplex muelleri
1
Atriplex nummularia
Old Man Saltbush
18
Atriplex papillata
2
Atriplex prostrata*
1
Atriplex pseudocampanulata
7
Atriplex pumilio
5
Atriplex semibaccata
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Fan Saltbush
Management Plan
Creeping Saltbush
4
Family
Scientific Name
Common Name
Atriplex spp.
Atriplex stipitata
TSC
Number
Recorded
6
Mallee Saltbush
92
Atriplex suberecta
7
Atriplex velutinella
5
Atriplex vesicaria
Bladder Saltbush
26
Atriplex vesicaria subsp. vesicaria
1
Bassia sclerolaenoides
2
Chenopodium cristatum
Crested Goosefoot
37
Chenopodium curvispicatum
78
Chenopodium desertorum
76
Chenopodium desertorum subsp. desertorum
17
Chenopodium desertorum subsp. rectum
9
Chenopodium melanocarpum
Black Crumbweed
2
Chenopodium murale*
Nettle-leaf Goosefoot
5
Chenopodium nitrariaceum
Nitre Goosefoot
37
Chenopodium pumilio
Small Crumbweed
1
Chenopodium spp.
1
Chenopodium truncatum
4
Dissocarpus biflorus
4
Dissocarpus biflorus var. biflorus
1
Dissocarpus paradoxus
Cannonball Burr
168
Einadia nutans
Climbing Saltbush
51
Einadia nutans subsp. nutans
Enchylaena tomentosa
31/22915/601562
EPBC
3
Ruby Saltbush
86
Enchylaena tomentosa var. tomentosa
144
Halosarcia halocnemoides
1
Halosarcia halocnemoides subsp. halocnemoides
2
Halosarcia indica subsp. leiostachya
9
Halosarcia lylei
8
Management Plan
Family
Scientific Name
Common Name
EPBC
TSC
Halosarcia pergranulata
18
Halosarcia pergranulata subsp. divaricata
1
Halosarcia pterygospermum subsp. pterygospermum
5
Maireana aphylla
1
Cotton Bush
Maireana appressa
Maireana astrotricha
24
Low Bluebush
2
Maireana brevifolia
21
Maireana coronata
1
Maireana decalvans
Black Cotton Bush
1
Maireana erioclada
3
Maireana georgei
94
Maireana integra
2
Maireana lanosa
EX
1
Maireana lobiflora
1
Maireana pentatropis
182
Maireana pyramidata
Black Bluebush
Maireana sclerolaenoides
Maireana sedifolia
113
40
Pearl Bluebush
53
Maireana spp.
1
Maireana trichoptera
12
Maireana triptera
Three-wing Bluebush
Maireana turbinata
31/22915/601562
Number
Recorded
3
20
Malacocera tricornis
Soft Horns
13
Neobassia proceriflora
Soda Bush
3
Osteocarpum acropterum
29
Osteocarpum acropterum var. acropterum
1
Osteocarpum acropterum var. deminuta
49
Pachycornia triandra
11
Rhagodia spinescens
11
Rhagodia ulicina
13
Salsola kali var. kali
92
Management Plan
Family
Scientific Name
Common Name
Salsola tragus
EPBC
TSC
Number
Recorded
6
Scleroblitum atriplicinum
Purple Goosefoot
16
Sclerolaena bicornis
Goathead Burr
17
Sclerolaena brachyptera
Sclerolaena calcarata
50
Redburr
Sclerolaena decurrens
Sclerolaena diacantha
23
Grey Copperburr
Sclerolaena diacantha var. deminuta
Sclerolaena divaricata
7
136
1
Tangled Copperburr
37
Sclerolaena eriacantha
1
Sclerolaena intricata
7
Sclerolaena lanicuspis
Woolly Copperburr
2
Sclerolaena muricata
Black Rolypoly
10
Sclerolaena muricata var. muricata
26
Sclerolaena muricata var. semiglabra
1
Sclerolaena muricata var. villosa
8
Sclerolaena obliquicuspis
186
Sclerolaena parviflora
42
Sclerolaena patenticuspis
62
Sclerolaena sp. A
2
Sclerolaena sp. B
4
Sclerolaena spp.
3
Sclerolaena stelligera
18
Sclerolaena tricuspis
Giant Redburr
8
Sclerolaena ventricosa
10
Sclerostegia tenuis
2
Suaeda australis
1
Colchicaceae
Wurmbea dioica subsp. dioica
Early Nancy
1
Scurvy Grass
1
Commelinaceae
Commelina ensifolia
31/22915/601562
Management Plan
Family
Scientific Name
Common Name
EPBC
TSC
Number
Recorded
Convolvulaceae
Convolvulus clementii
Desert Bindweed
1
Convolvulus crispifolius
1
Convolvulus erubescens
13
Convolvulus remotus
10
Convolvulus spp.
2
Cressa australis
1
Cuscuta campestris*
Golden Dodder
5
Crassulaceae
Crassula colorata
51
Crassula colorata var. acuminata
5
Crassula sieberiana
Australian Stonecrop
2
Crassula sieberiana subsp. tetramera
1
Crassula tetramera
1
Cucurbitaceae
Citrullus lanatus var. lanatus*
Wild Melon, Camel Melon,Bitter
4
Cucumis melo subsp. agrestis
Ulcardo Melon
1
Cucumis myriocarpus subsp.
leptodermis*
Paddy Melon
7
Zehneria micrantha
Desert Cucumber
3
Callitris glaucophylla
White Cypress Pine
12
Callitris verrucosa
Mallee Pine
10
Cupressaceae
Cyperaceae
Bolboschoenus caldwellii
1
Cyperus gymnocaulos
9
Cyperus pygmaeus
2
Cyperus squarrosus
1
Eleocharis acuta
1
Eleocharis pallens
1
Fimbristylis dichotoma
Isolepis australiensis
31/22915/601562
Management Plan
Common Fringe-sedge
1
1
Family
Scientific Name
Common Name
EPBC
TSC
Schoenus subaphyllus
Number
Recorded
6
Elaeocarpaceae
Tetratheca pilosa subsp. pilosa
EX
1
Euphorbiaceae
Beyeria opaca
Beyeria viscosa
27
Pinkwood, Sticky wallaby Bush
Chamaesyce dallachyana
1
1
Chamaesyce drummondii
Caustic Weed
44
Euphorbia eremophila
Desert Spurge
2
Euphorbia stevenii
Bottle-tree Spurge
1
Phyllanthus lacunarius
5
Phyllanthus lacunellus
27
Poranthera microphylla
1
Ricinus communis*
Castor Oil Plant
2
Fabaceae (Caesalpinioideae)
Senna artemisioides
2
Senna form taxon 'artemisioides'
1
Senna form taxon 'coriacea'
41
Senna form taxon 'filifolia'
23
Senna form taxon 'petiolaris'
Woody Cassia
Senna phyllodinea
71
1
Fabaceae (Faboideae)
Crotalaria eremaea subsp.
eremaea
Bluebush Pea
2
Cullen cinereum
Annual Verbine
2
Cullen discolor
1
Cullen pallidum
4
Cullen patens
2
Daviesia ulicifolia subsp. aridicola
1
Desmodium varians
Eutaxia microphylla
31/22915/601562
Management Plan
Slender Tick-trefoil
1
3
Family
Scientific Name
Common Name
EPBC
TSC
Eutaxia spp.
Number
Recorded
5
Glycine canescens
Silky Glycine
2
Glycyrrhiza acanthocarpa
Native Liquorice
8
Lotus cruentus
Red-flowered Lotus
15
Lotus suaveolens*
Hairy Birds-foot Trefoil
1
Medicago laciniata*
Cut-leaved Medic
6
Medicago minima*
Woolly Burr Medic
51
Medicago polymorpha*
Burr Medic
84
Medicago truncatula*
Barrel Medic
3
Melilotus indicus
Hexham Scent
12
Swainsona adenophylla
Violet Swainson-Pea
EN
2
Swainsona colutoides
Bladder Senna
EN
2
Swainsona greyana
Darling Pea
8
Swainsona microphylla
2
Swainsona microphylla subsp. microphylla
1
Swainsona phacoides
2
Swainsona procumbens
Broughton Pea
1
Swainsona purpurea
10
Swainsona spp.
2
Templetonia egena
Desert Broombush
3
Tephrosia sphaerospora
Trigonella suavissima
2
Coopers Clover
6
Vicia monantha subsp. monantha*
1
Vicia monantha subsp. triflora*
2
Fabaceae (Mimosoideae)
Acacia acanthoclada
Harrow Wattle
Acacia acuminata subsp. burkittii
Sandhill Wattle
45
Acacia aneura
Mulga
6
1
Acacia aneura s. lat.
2
Acacia aneura var. aneura
3
Acacia binervia
31/22915/601562
EN
Management Plan
Coast Myall
1
Family
Scientific Name
Common Name
Acacia brachybotrya
Grey Mulga
5
Acacia brachystachya
Umbrella Mulga
1
Acacia carneorum
Purple-wood Wattle
Acacia colletioides
Wait-a-while
48
Acacia jennerae
Coonavittra Wattle
10
Acacia ligulata
Umbrella Bush
33
Acacia loderi
Nealie
13
Acacia nyssophylla
EPBC
TSC
VU
Number
Recorded
29
2
Acacia oswaldii
Miljee
18
Acacia rigens
Needle Wattle
15
Acacia salicina
Cooba
2
Acacia sclerophylla var.
sclerophylla
Hard-leaved Wattle
3
Acacia spp.
Acacia stenophylla
1
River Cooba
Acacia victoriae
15
10
Acacia victoriae subsp. arida
Prickly Wattle
1
Acacia victoriae subsp. victoriae
Elegant Wattle
12
Acacia wilhelmiana
Wilhelm's Wattle
22
Frankeniaceae
Frankenia connata
2
Frankenia crispa
1
Frankenia foliosa
19
Frankenia serpyllifolia
2
Gentianaceae
Centaurium spicatum
Spike Centaury
10
Erodium botrys*
Long Storksbill
1
Erodium cicutarium*
Common Crowfoot
18
Erodium crinitum
Blue Storksbill, Blue Crowfoot
20
Geraniaceae
Erodium spp.
Pelargonium australe
31/22915/601562
Management Plan
1
Native Storksbill
1
Family
Scientific Name
Common Name
EPBC
TSC
Number
Recorded
Goodeniaceae
Goodenia fascicularis
15
Goodenia glauca
5
Goodenia heteromera
6
Goodenia pinnatifida
2
Goodenia pusilliflora
15
Goodenia spp.
5
Scaevola depauperata
6
Scaevola spinescens
5
Velleia connata
1
Gyrostemonaceae
Codonocarpus cotinifolius
Native Poplar
7
Haloragaceae
Haloragis aspera
2
Haloragis exalata
VU
2
Haloragis glauca f. glauca
1
Haloragis odontocarpa
5
Myriophyllum verrucosum
Red Water-milfoil
5
Spurred Arrowgrass
3
Juncaginaceae
Triglochin calcitrapum
Triglochin centrocarpum
2
Triglochin sp. B
1
Lamiaceae
Ajuga australis
Austral Bugle
5
Dicrastylis verticillata
Sand-sage
7
Marrubium vulgare*
Horehound
9
Mentha australis
River Mint
1
Salvia verbenaca*
Wild Sage
27
Teucrium racemosum
Grey Germander
23
Westringia rigida
Stiff Westringia
15
Lauraceae
Cassytha melantha
Lobeliaceae
31/22915/601562
Management Plan
1
Family
Scientific Name
Common Name
EPBC
TSC
Number
Recorded
Isotoma petraea
Rock Isotome
1
Scented Mat-rush
2
Lomandraceae
Lomandra effusa
Lomandra leucocephala subsp. robusta
9
Loranthaceae
Amyema linophyllum subsp. orientale
11
Amyema miquelii
20
Amyema miraculosum subsp. boormanii
36
Amyema preissii
7
Amyema quandang var. quandang
1
Lysiana exocarpi
5
Lysiana exocarpi subsp. exocarpi
21
Lysiana subfalcata subsp. subfalcata
1
Lythrum wilsonii
3
Abutilon fraseri
2
Abutilon otocarpum
1
Abutilon theophrasti*
1
Lythraceae
Malvaceae
Hibiscus trionum
31/22915/601562
Bladder Ketmia
2
Lawrencia glomerata
2
Lawrencia squamata
2
Malva australiana
Native Hollyhock
18
Malva parviflora*
Small-flowered Mallow
12
Radyera farragei
Bush Hibiscus
2
Sida ammophila
1
Sida corrugata
15
Sida cunninghamii
1
Sida fibulifera
1
Sida intricata
18
Sida petrophila
1
Management Plan
Family
Scientific Name
Common Name
EPBC
TSC
Number
Recorded
Sida spp.
6
Sida trichopoda
12
Sida virgata
1
Marsileaceae
Marsilea drummondii
Common Nardoo
17
Owenia acidula
Gruie
1
Eremophila deserti
Turkeybush
6
Eremophila divaricata
Spreading Emubush
1
Eremophila duttonii
Harlequin Fuchsia Bush
1
Eremophila glabra
Tar Bush
63
Eremophila longifolia
Emubush
3
Eremophila maculata
Spotted Fuchsia
4
Eremophila mitchellii
Budda
1
Eremophila oppositifolia
Weeooka
3
Meliaceae
Myoporaceae
Eremophila oppositifolia subsp. oppositifolia
4
Eremophila polyclada
Flowering Lignum
2
Eremophila scoparia
Scotia Bush
17
Eremophila sturtii
Turpentine Bush
97
Myoporum parvifolium
Creeping Boobialla
2
Myoporum platycarpum
Sugarwood
76
Myoporum platycarpum subsp. platycarpum
2
Eucalyptus camaldulensis
River Red Gum
19
Eucalyptus costata subsp.
murrayana
Ridge-fruited Mallee
19
Eucalyptus dumosa
White Mallee
87
Eucalyptus gracilis
Snap and Rattle
59
Myrtaceae
Eucalyptus gracilis subsp. gracilis
31/22915/601562
4
Eucalyptus largiflorens
Black Box
63
Eucalyptus leptophylla
Narrow-leaved Red Mallee
8
Management Plan
Family
Scientific Name
Common Name
EPBC
TSC
Number
Recorded
Eucalyptus oleosa subsp. oleosa
Red Mallee
32
Eucalyptus populnea subsp. bimbil
Bimble Box
1
Eucalyptus porosa
Mallee Box
5
Eucalyptus socialis
Red Mallee
82
Leptospermum coriaceum
6
Melaleuca lanceolata
9
Nitrariaceae
Nitraria billardierei
Dillon Bush
18
Boerhavia dominii
Tarvine
8
Jasminum lineare
Desert Jasmine
3
Nyctaginaceae
Oleaceae
Onagraceae
Epilobium hirtigerum
1
Ludwigia peploides subsp.
montevidensis
Water Primrose
2
Oxalis corniculata*
Creeping Oxalis
2
Oxalidaceae
Oxalis perennans
Oxalis pes-caprae*
22
Soursob
1
Mexican Poppy
3
Papaveraceae
Argemone ochroleuca subsp.
ochroleuca*
Phormiaceae
Dianella revoluta
1
Pittosporaceae
Billardiera spp.
Billardiera versicolor
Pittosporum angustifolium
1
Pale Appleberry
1
15
Plantaginaceae
31/22915/601562
Plantago cunninghamii
4
Plantago drummondii
29
Plantago spp.
3
Management Plan
Family
Scientific Name
Common Name
EPBC
TSC
Number
Recorded
Plantago turrifera
11
Plantago varia
4
Plumbaginaceae
Limonium lobatum*
Winged Sea Lavender
17
Poaceae
Amphibromus nervosus
2
Amphipogon caricinus var. caricinus
13
Aristida behriana
Bunch Wiregrass
1
Aristida contorta
Bunched Kerosene Grass
7
Aristida nitidula
Arundo donax*
Giant Reed
2
Austrodanthonia caespitosa
Ringed Wallaby Grass
6
Austrodanthonia eriantha
3
Austrodanthonia setacea
19
Austrodanthonia spp.
3
Austrostipa acrociliata
1
Austrostipa drummondii
4
Austrostipa elegantissima
31/22915/601562
1
Feather Speargrass
17
Austrostipa eremophila
2
Austrostipa nitida
37
Austrostipa nodosa
9
Austrostipa nullanulla
A spear-grass
Austrostipa platychaeta
Flat-awn Speargrass
2
Austrostipa scabra
Speargrass
36
VU
EN
16
Austrostipa scabra subsp. scabra
1
Austrostipa spp.
14
Austrostipa trichophylla
2
Bromus arenarius
Sand Brome
15
Bromus diandrus*
Great Brome
2
Bromus rubens*
Red Brome
70
Chloris truncata
Windmill Grass
2
Cymbopogon ambiguus
Lemon Grass
2
Management Plan
Family
Scientific Name
Common Name
Cynodon dactylon
Common Couch
2
Dactyloctenium radulans
Button Grass
1
Danthonia spp.
Wallaby Grass
3
Digitaria brownii
Cotton Panic Grass
1
Echinochloa crusgalli*
Barnyard Grass
1
Echinochloa lacunaria
TSC
Number
Recorded
3
Enneapogon avenaceus
Bottle Washers
33
Enneapogon cylindricus
Jointed Nineawn
1
Enneapogon intermedius
Enneapogon nigricans
2
Niggerheads
Enneapogon spp.
2
1
Eragrostis australasica
Canegrass
4
Eragrostis dielsii
Mallee Lovegrass
42
Eragrostis eriopoda
Woollybutt
3
Eragrostis falcata
Sickle Lovegrass
3
Eragrostis kennedyae
Small-flowered Lovegrass
2
Eragrostis parviflora
Weeping Lovegrass
1
Eragrostis setifolia
Neverfail
3
Eragrostis spp.
2
Eriochloa australiensis
1
Eriochloa crebra
Cup Grass
1
Eriochloa pseudoacrotricha
Early Spring Grass
1
Holcus lanatus*
Yorkshire Fog
1
Hordeum glaucum*
Northern Barley Grass
20
Hordeum leporinum*
Barley Grass
70
Hordeum spp.*
Hordeum vulgare*
8
Six Row Barley
Lachnagrostis filiformis
31/22915/601562
EPBC
1
5
Lamarckia aurea*
Goldentop
15
Neurachne munroi
Mulga Grass
1
Panicum capillare*
Witchgrass
3
Panicum effusum
Poison or Hairy Panic
1
Management Plan
Family
Scientific Name
Common Name
Paractaenum novae-hollandiae
Reflexed Panic Grass
1
Parapholis incurva*
Coast Barb Grass
1
Paspalidium gracile
Slender Panic
10
Phalaris paradoxa*
Paradoxa Grass
1
Poa fordeana
EPBC
TSC
Number
Recorded
2
Polypogon monspeliensis*
Annual Beardgrass
2
Rostraria pumila*
Roughtail
34
Schismus barbatus*
Arabian Grass
156
Sorghum halepense*
Johnson Grass
1
Sporobolus mitchellii
Rat's Tail Couch
11
Stipa spp.
185
Tragus australianus
Small Burrgrass
1
Triodia scariosa
Porcupine Grass
18
Triodia scariosa subsp. scariosa
73
Tripogon loliiformis
Fiveminute Grass
2
Triraphis mollis
Purple Needlegrass
16
Vulpia myuros f. megalura*
Zygochloa paradoxa
7
Sandhill Canegrass
11
Acetosa vesicaria*
Bladder Dock
3
Emex australis*
Spiny Emex
3
Muehlenbeckia florulenta
Lignum
21
Polygonaceae
Muehlenbeckia horrida
8
Muehlenbeckia horrida subsp. horrida
3
Persicaria lapathifolia
Pale Knotweed
Polygonum bellardii
2
Polygonum plebeium
Small Knotweed
5
Rumex brownii
Swamp Dock
4
Rumex crispus*
Curled Dock
2
Rumex crystallinus
Shiny Dock
7
Rumex spp.
31/22915/601562
3
Management Plan
2
Family
Scientific Name
Common Name
Rumex tenax
Shiny Dock
EPBC
TSC
Number
Recorded
1
Portulacaceae
Calandrinia eremaea
39
Calandrinia volubilis
1
Portulaca oleracea
Pigweed
3
Proteaceae
Grevillea huegelii
19
Grevillea pterosperma
1
Hakea leucoptera
Needlewood
Hakea leucoptera subsp. leucoptera
Hakea tephrosperma
6
2
Hooked Needlewood
6
Ranunculaceae
Myosurus australis
Myosurus minimus var. australis
1
Mousetail
4
Ranunculus pentandrus var. pentandrus
1
Ranunculus pentandrus var. platycarpus
3
Rhamnaceae
Cryptandra propinqua
1
Coprosma hirtella
7
Rubiaceae
Rutaceae
Flindersia maculosa
Leopardwood
1
Geijera parviflora
Wilga
22
Exocarpos aphyllus
Leafless Ballart
30
Exocarpos sparteus
Slender Cherry
2
Exocarpos strictus
Dwarf Cherry
1
Santalum acuminatum
Sweet Quandong
4
Western Rosewood, Bonaree
22
Santalaceae
Sapindaceae
Alectryon oleifolius
Alectryon oleifolius subsp. canescens
31/22915/601562
Management Plan
64
Family
Scientific Name
Common Name
EPBC
TSC
Number
Recorded
Dodonaea bursariifolia
1
Dodonaea viscosa subsp. angustissima
95
Scrophulariaceae
Limosella australis
Australian Mudwort
1
Mimulus repens
Creeping Monkey-flower
1
Stemodia floribunda
1
Stemodia florulenta
Bluerod
28
Datura inoxia*
Downy Thornapple
1
Datura stramonium*
Common Thornapple
1
Duboisia hopwoodii
Pituri
25
Lycium australe
Australian Boxthorn
18
Lycium ferocissimum*
African Boxthorn
2
Nicotiana glauca*
Tree Tobacco
11
Solanaceae
Nicotiana goodspeedii
2
Nicotiana simulans
1
Nicotiana velutina
44
Solanum coactiliferum
Western Nightshade
11
Solanum esuriale
Quena
22
Solanum karsense
Menindee Nightshade
Solanum nigrum*
Black-berry Nightshade
Solanum spp.
VU
VU
38
26
1
Tamaricaceae
Tamarix ramosissima*
Tamarisk
1
Thymelaeaceae
Pimelea microcephala subsp. microcephala
22
Pimelea penicillaris
1
Pimelea simplex
7
Pimelea simplex subsp. simplex
1
Pimelea trichostachya
25
Typhaceae
Typha orientalis
31/22915/601562
Management Plan
Broad-leaved Cumbungi
2
Family
Scientific Name
Common Name
EPBC
TSC
Number
Recorded
Parietaria debilis
Native Pellitory
2
Urtica urens*
Small Nettle
7
Urticaceae
Verbenaceae
Phyla canescens*
2
Verbena africana*
4
Verbena officinalis*
Common Verbena
Verbena supina var. erecta*
Verbena supina*
5
2
Trailing Verbena
9
Tribulus terrestris*
Catshead
2
Zygophyllum ammophilum
Sand Twinleaf
32
Zygophyllaceae
Zygophyllum angustifolium
31/22915/601562
1
Zygophyllum apiculatum
Gallweed, Pointed or Common Twinleaf
32
Zygophyllum aurantiacum
Shrubby Twinleaf
29
Zygophyllum crenatum
Lobed Twinleaf
5
Zygophyllum eremaeum
Climbing Twinleaf
17
Zygophyllum glaucum
Pale Twinleaf
4
Zygophyllum iodocarpum
Violet Twinleaf
9
Zygophyllum ovatum
Dwarf Twinleaf
15
Zygophyllum simile
8
Zygophyllum spp.
4
Management Plan
Table 14
Fauna species recorded from within the vicinity of the Anabranch Lakes3
Key to Table:
EPBC
TSC
EX
Presumed Extinct
CR
EN
Endangered
VU
Vulnerable
*
Introduced species
Common Name
Scientific Name
EPBC
TSC
Number
Recorded
Birds
3
Manorina flavigula flavigula
1
[Mallee Ringneck]
Barnardius zonarius barnardi
109
[Yellow Rosella]
Platycercus elegans flaveolus
43
[Yellow-rumped Pardalote]
Pardalotus punctatus xanthopyge
27
Apostlebird
Struthidea cinerea
79
Australasian Grebe
Tachybaptus novaehollandiae
17
Australasian Shoveler
Anas rhynchotis
3
Australian Hobby
Falco longipennis
6
Australian Magpie
Gymnorhina tibicen
182
Australian Owlet-nightjar
Aegotheles cristatus
58
Australian Pelican
Pelecanus conspicillatus
17
Australian Pipit
Anthus australis
29
Australian Pratincole
Stiltia isabella
3
Australian Raven
Corvus coronoides
143
Australian Reed-Warbler
Acrocephalus australis
12
Australian Ringneck
Barnardius zonarius
8
Australian Shelduck
Tadorna tadornoides
13
Australian Spotted Crake
Porzana fluminea
3
Australian White Ibis
Threskiornis molucca
19
Information derived from the Atlas of NSW Wildlife: http://wildlifeatlas.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/wildlifeatlas/watlas.jsp
31/22915/601562
Management Plan
Common Name
Scientific Name
Australian Wood Duck
Chenonetta jubata
29
Baillon's Crake
Porzana pusilla
2
Banded Lapwing
Vanellus tricolor
12
Banded Stilt
Cladorhynchus leucocephalus
8
Barking Owl
Ninox connivens
Barn Owl
Tyto alba
1
Bar-tailed Godwit
Limosa lapponica
1
Black Falcon
Falco subniger
2
Black Honeyeater
Certhionyx niger
3
Black Kite
Milvus migrans
33
Black Swan
Cygnus atratus
11
Black-breasted Buzzard
Hamirostra melanosternon
Black-eared Cuckoo
Chalcites osculans
Black-eared Miner
Manorina melanotis
Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike
Coracina novaehollandiae
87
Black-faced Woodswallow
Artamus cinereus
12
Black-fronted Dotterel
Elseyornis melanops
24
Black-shouldered Kite
Elanus axillaris
6
Black-tailed Godwit
Limosa limosa
Black-tailed Native-hen
Gallinula ventralis
16
Black-winged Stilt
Himantopus himantopus
13
Blue Bonnet
Northiella haematogaster
59
Blue-billed Duck
Oxyura australis
Blue-faced Honeyeater
Entomyzon cyanotis
2
Blue-winged Parrot
Neophema chrysostoma
1
Broad-billed Sandpiper
Limicola falcinellus
VU
1
Brolga
Grus rubicunda
VU
1
Brown Falcon
Falco berigora
24
Brown Goshawk
Accipiter fasciatus
19
Brown Quail
Coturnix ypsilophora
2
31/22915/601562
Management Plan
EPBC
TSC
VU
VU
Number
Recorded
2
5
3
EN
EN
VU
VU
5
1
2
Common Name
Scientific Name
Brown Songlark
Cincloramphus cruralis
9
Brown Thornbill
Acanthiza pusilla
1
Brown Treecreeper
Climacteris picumnus
Brown-headed Honeyeater
Melithreptus brevirostris
100
Budgerigar
Melopsittacus undulatus
55
Buff-banded Rail
Gallirallus philippensis
1
Buff-rumped Thornbill
Acanthiza reguloides
1
Bush Stone-curlew
Burhinus grallarius
Caspian Tern
Sterna caspia
Chestnut Quail-thrush
Cinclosoma castanotus
Chestnut Teal
Anas castanea
4
Chestnut-crowned Babbler
Pomatostomus ruficeps
28
Chestnut-rumped Thornbill
Acanthiza uropygialis
135
Chirruping Wedgebill
Psophodes cristatus
1
Cockatiel
Nymphicus hollandicus
8
Collared Sparrowhawk
Accipiter cirrocephalus
5
Common Bronzewing
Phaps chalcoptera
62
Common Greenshank
Tringa nebularia
4
Common Sandpiper
Actitis hypoleucos
1
Common Starling
Sturnus vulgaris*
9
Crested Bellbird
Oreoica gutturalis
153
Crested Pigeon
Ocyphaps lophotes
97
Crimson Chat
Epthianura tricolor
10
Curlew Sandpiper
Calidris ferruginea
9
Darter
Anhinga melanogaster
17
Diamond Dove
Geopelia cuneata
5
Double-banded Plover
Charadrius bicinctus
5
Dusky Moorhen
Gallinula tenebrosa
2
Dusky Woodswallow
Artamus cyanopterus
31
Eastern Shrike-tit
Falcunculus frontatus
4
Eastern Yellow Robin
Eopsaltria australis
1
31/22915/601562
Management Plan
EPBC
TSC
VU
EN
Number
Recorded
159
3
2
VU
37
Common Name
Scientific Name
Elegant Parrot
Neophema elegans
1
Emu
Dromaius novaehollandiae
57
Eurasian Blackbird
Turdus merula*
1
Eurasian Coot
Fulica atra
7
Fairy Martin
Petrochelidon ariel
6
Fan-tailed Cuckoo
Cacomantis flabelliformis
1
Freckled Duck
Stictonetta naevosa
Galah
Eolophus roseicapillus
Gilbert's Whistler
Pachycephala inornata
Glossy Ibis
Plegadis falcinellus
3
Golden Whistler
Pachycephala pectoralis
1
Golden-headed Cisticola
Cisticola exilis
1
Great Cormorant
Phalacrocorax carbo
26
Great Egret
Ardea alba
10
Grey Butcherbird
Cracticus torquatus
127
Grey Currawong
Strepera versicolor
31
Grey Falcon
Falco hypoleucos
Grey Fantail
Rhipidura albiscapa
5
Grey Shrike-thrush
Colluricincla harmonica
140
Grey Teal
Anas gracilis
283
Grey-fronted Honeyeater
Lichenostomus plumulus
25
Ground Cuckoo-shrike
Coracina maxima
2
Gull-billed Tern
Sterna nilotica
3
Hardhead
Aythya australis
6
Hoary-headed Grebe
Poliocephalus poliocephalus
7
Hooded Robin
Melanodryas cucullata
Horsfield's Bronze-Cuckoo
Chalcites basalis
16
Horsfield's Bushlark
Mirafra javanica
1
House Sparrow
Passer domesticus*
4
Hybrid Miner
Manorina flavigula flavigula x melanotis
1
31/22915/601562
Management Plan
EPBC
TSC
VU
Number
Recorded
3
135
VU
VU
VU
36
3
31
Common Name
Scientific Name
Inland Dotterel
Peltohyas australis
1
Inland Thornbill
Acanthiza apicalis
17
Intermediate Egret
Ardea intermedia
2
Jacky Winter
Microeca fascinans
94
Laughing Kookaburra
Dacelo novaeguineae
27
Little Black Cormorant
Phalacrocorax sulcirostris
7
Little Button-quail
Turnix velox
4
Little Corella
Cacatua sanguinea
17
Little Crow
Corvus bennetti
7
Little Curlew
Numenius minutus
2
Little Eagle
Hieraaetus morphnoides
28
Little Egret
Egretta garzetta
1
Little Friarbird
Philemon citreogularis
12
Little Pied Cormorant
Phalacrocorax melanoleucos
4
Little Raven
Corvus mellori
13
Long-toed Stint
Calidris subminuta
3
Magpie-lark
Grallina cyanoleuca
103
Major Mitchell's Cockatoo
Cacatua leadbeateri
Malleefowl
Leipoa ocellata
Marsh Sandpiper
Tringa stagnatilis
2
Masked Lapwing
Vanellus miles
36
Masked Woodswallow
Artamus personatus
31
Mistletoebird
Dicaeum hirundinaceum
27
Mulga Parrot
Psephotus varius
74
Musk Duck
Biziura lobata
1
Nankeen Kestrel
Falco cenchroides
47
Nankeen Night Heron
Nycticorax caledonicus
3
Noisy Miner
Manorina melanocephala
18
Orange Chat
Epthianura aurifrons
11
Pacific Black Duck
Anas superciliosa
111
31/22915/601562
Management Plan
EPBC
VU
TSC
Number
Recorded
VU
140
EN
39
Common Name
Scientific Name
Painted Button-quail
Turnix varia
1
Pallid Cuckoo
Cuculus pallidus
9
Peaceful Dove
Geopelia placida
79
Pectoral Sandpiper
Calidris melanotos
2
Peregrine Falcon
Falco peregrinus
9
Pied Butcherbird
Cracticus nigrogularis
64
Pied Cormorant
Phalacrocorax varius
8
Pied Honeyeater
Certhionyx variegatus
Pink-eared Duck
Malacorhynchus membranaceus
Plains-wanderer
Pedionomus torquatus
Purple Swamphen
Porphyrio porphyrio
1
Rainbow Bee-eater
Merops ornatus
76
Red Knot
Calidris canutus
1
Red Wattlebird
Anthochaera carunculata
7
Red-backed Kingfisher
Todiramphus pyrrhopygia
16
Red-capped Plover
Charadrius ruficapillus
21
Red-capped Robin
Petroica goodenovii
84
Red-kneed Dotterel
Erythrogonys cinctus
6
Red-lored Whistler
Pachycephala rufogularis
Red-necked Avocet
Recurvirostra novaehollandiae
7
Red-necked Stint
Calidris ruficollis
7
Red-rumped Parrot
Psephotus haematonotus
64
Redthroat
Pyrrholaemus brunneus
Regent Parrot (eastern subsp.)
Polytelis anthopeplus monarchoides
Restless Flycatcher
Myiagra inquieta
35
Royal Spoonbill
Platalea regia
6
Ruddy Turnstone
Arenaria interpres
3
Rufous Songlark
Cincloramphus mathewsi
3
Rufous Whistler
Pachycephala rufiventris
100
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TSC
VU
Number
Recorded
1
9
VU
VU
VU
EN
EN
1
2
VU
15
EN
2
Common Name
Scientific Name
Sacred Kingfisher
Todiramphus sanctus
18
Sharp-tailed Sandpiper
Calidris acuminata
9
Shy Heathwren
Hylacola cauta
Silver Gull
Larus novaehollandiae
7
Silvereye
Zosterops lateralis
3
Singing Honeyeater
Lichenostomus virescens
142
Southern Boobook
Ninox boobook
16
Southern Scrub-robin
Drymodes brunneopygia
Southern Whiteface
Aphelocephala leucopsis
78
Spiny-cheeked Honeyeater
Acanthagenys rufogularis
332
Splendid Fairy-wren
Malurus splendens
12
Spotless Crake
Porzana tabuensis
1
Spotted Harrier
Circus assimilis
1
Spotted Nightjar
Eurostopodus argus
15
Spotted Pardalote
Pardalotus punctatus
2
Square-tailed Kite
Lophoictinia isura
Straw-necked Ibis
Threskiornis spinicollis
Striated Grasswren
Amytornis striatus
Striated Pardalote
Pardalotus striatus
186
Striped Honeyeater
Plectorhyncha lanceolata
74
Stubble Quail
Coturnix pectoralis
4
Sulphur-crested Cockatoo
Cacatua galerita
9
Superb Fairy-wren
Malurus cyaneus
4
Swamp Harrier
Circus approximans
1
Tawny Frogmouth
Podargus strigoides
13
Tree Martin
Petrochelidon nigricans
48
Unidentified 'Barn' Owl
Tyto sp.
1
Varied Sittella
Daphoenositta chrysoptera
13
Variegated Fairy-wren
Malurus lamberti
45
Wedge-tailed Eagle
Aquila audax
73
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EPBC
TSC
VU
VU
VU
Number
Recorded
9
27
4
37
VU
31
Common Name
Scientific Name
Weebill
Smicrornis brevirostris
141
Welcome Swallow
Hirundo neoxena
38
Western Gerygone
Gerygone fusca
1
Whiskered Tern
Chlidonias hybridus
4
Whistling Kite
Haliastur sphenurus
35
White-backed Swallow
Cheramoeca leucosterna
4
White-bellied Sea-Eagle
Haliaeetus leucogaster
2
White-breasted Woodswallow
Artamus leucorynchus
6
White-browed Babbler
Pomatostomus superciliosus
96
White-browed Treecreeper
Climacteris affinis
30
White-browed Woodswallow
Artamus superciliosus
83
White-eared Honeyeater
Lichenostomus leucotis
47
White-faced Heron
Egretta novaehollandiae
21
White-fronted Chat
Epthianura albifrons
25
White-fronted Honeyeater
Phylidonyris albifrons
78
White-necked Heron
Ardea pacifica
9
White-plumed Honeyeater
Lichenostomus penicillatus
92
White-throated Needletail
Hirundapus caudacutus
1
White-winged Chough
Corcorax melanorhamphos
61
White-winged Fairy-wren
Malurus leucopterus
33
White-winged Triller
Lalage tricolor
4
Willie Wagtail
Rhipidura leucophrys
158
Yellow Thornbill
Acanthiza nana
4
Yellow-billed Spoonbill
Platalea flavipes
8
Yellow-plumed Honeyeater
Lichenostomus ornatus
699
Yellow-rumped Thornbill
Acanthiza chrysorrhoa
36
Yellow-throated Miner
Manorina flavigula
90
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Number
Recorded
Common Name
Scientific Name
EPBC
TSC
Number
Recorded
Zebra Finch
Taeniopygia guttata
3
Mormopterus "Species 3" (little penis)
89
Mammals
Bilby
Macrotis lagotis
Bolam's Mouse
Pseudomys bolami
Boodie, Burrowing Bettong
(mainland)
Bettongia lesueur graii
Bridled Nailtail Wallaby
Onychogalea fraenata
Brown Hare
Lepus capensis*
1
brushtail possum
Trichosurus sp.
3
Brush-tailed Bettong (South-East
Mainland)
Bettongia penicillata penicillata
Cat
Felis catus*
10
Common Brushtail Possum
Trichosurus vulpecula
8
Common Dunnart
Sminthopsis murina
36
Common Wallaroo
Macropus robustus
27
Common Wombat
Vombatus ursinus
1
Dingo, domestic dog
Canis lupus*
7
Dunnart
Sminthopsis sp.
1
Eastern Grey Kangaroo
Macropus giganteus
3
Eastern Long-eared Bat
Nyctophilus timoriensis
Fat-tailed Dunnart
Sminthopsis crassicaudata
33
Fox
Vulpes vulpes*
30
Goat
Capra hircus*
30
Gould's Wattled Bat
Chalinolobus gouldii
74
Greater Stick-nest Rat
Leporillus conditor
House Mouse
Mus musculus*
43
Inland Broad-nosed Bat
Scotorepens balstoni
27
Inland Forest Bat
Vespadelus baverstocki
kangaroo
Macropus sp.
4
Lesser Long-eared Bat
Nyctophilus geoffroyi
77
Little Broad-nosed Bat
Scotorepens greyii
8
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VU
EX
1
EN
30
EX
EX
2
EN
EX
2
EX
VU
VU
EX
VU
EX
VU
2
2
2
39
Common Name
Scientific Name
EPBC
TSC
Little Forest Bat
Vespadelus vulturnus
5
Little Mastiff-bat
Mormopterus planiceps
9
Little Pied Bat
Chalinolobus picatus
long-eared bat
Nyctophilus sp.
7
mastiff-bat
Mormopterus sp.
24
Mitchell's Hopping-mouse
Notomys mitchellii
Numbat
Myrmecobius fasciatus
Paucident Planigale
Planigale gilesi
4
Pig
Sus scrofa*
1
Pig-footed Bandicoot
Chaeropus ecaudatus
Rabbit
Oryctolagus cuniculus*
51
Red Kangaroo
Macropus rufus
36
Short-beaked Echidna
Tachyglossus aculeatus
43
Southern Forest Bat
Vespadelus regulus
1
Southern Hairy-nosed Wombat
Lasiorhinus latifrons
EN
2
Southern Ningaui
Ningaui yvonneae
VU
153
Unidentified Eptesicus
Vespadelus sp.
53
Western Grey Kangaroo
Macropus fuliginosus
76
Western Pygmy Possum
Cercartetus concinnus
White-striped Freetail-bat
Tadarida australis
4
Amphibolurus nobbi coggeri
25
Ctenotus olympicus
2
Ramphotyphlops bicolor
7
Bandy-bandy
Vermicella annulata
1
Barred Wedgesnout Ctenotus
Ctenotus schomburgkii
132
Beaded Gecko
Lucasium damaeum
177
Beaked Gecko
Rhynchoedura ornata
120
VU
VU
EX
Number
Recorded
24
EX
1
EX
2
EX
EN
1
1
Reptiles
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Common Name
Scientific Name
Box-patterned Gecko
Diplodactylus steindachneri
3
Broad-banded Sand-swimmer
Eremiascincus richardsonii
21
Broad-shelled River Turtle
Macrochelodina expansa
1
Burton's Snake-lizard
Lialis burtonis
23
Bynoe's Gecko
Heteronotia binoei
63
Carpet Python
Morelia spilota variegata
2
Central Bearded Dragon
Pogona vitticeps
51
Central Netted Dragon
Ctenophorus nuchalis
4
Common Dwarf Skink
Menetia greyii
55
Common Scaly-foot
Pygopus lepidopodus
2
Coral Snake
Brachyurophis australis
31
Curl Snake
Suta suta
3
Desert Skink
Egernia inornata
21
Eastern Barred Wedgesnout
Ctenotus
Ctenotus strauchii
2
Eastern Brown Snake
Pseudonaja textilis
2
Eastern Hooded Scaly-foot
Pygopus schraderi
7
Eastern Robust Slider
Lerista punctatovittata
76
Eastern Snake-necked Turtle
Chelodina longicollis
2
Eastern Spiny-tailed Gecko
Strophurus williamsi
8
Gibber Gecko
Diplodactylus byrnei
2
Gould's Goanna
Varanus gouldii
46
Jewelled Gecko
Diplodactylus elderi
King Brown Snake
Pseudechis australis
1
Lace Monitor
Varanus varius
16
Lined Earless Dragon
Tympanocryptis lineata
7
Mallee Military Dragon
Ctenophorus fordi
291
Mallee Slender Blue-tongue Lizard
Cyclodomorphus melanops elongatus
Marbled Gecko
Christinus marmoratus
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TSC
VU
EN
Number
Recorded
23
5
3
Common Name
Scientific Name
Marble-faced Delma
Delma australis
Mitchell's Short-tailed Snake
Parasuta nigriceps
6
Narrow-banded Sand-swimmer
Eremiascincus fasciolatus
8
Nobbi
Amphibolurus nobbi
18
Painted Dragon
Ctenophorus pictus
25
Pale-rumped Ctenotus
Ctenotus regius
66
Prong-snouted Blind Snake
Ramphotyphlops bituberculatus
12
Red-naped Snake
Furina diadema
2
Ringed Brown Snake
Pseudonaja modesta
Robust Ctenotus
Ctenotus robustus
2
Saltbush Morethia Skink
Morethia adelaidensis
14
Sharp-snouted Delma
Delma nasuta
1
Shingle-back
Tiliqua rugosa
83
Short-clawed Ctenotus
Ctenotus brachyonyx
61
Shrubland Morethia Skink
Morethia obscura
13
South-eastern Morethia Skink
Morethia boulengeri
68
Southern Mallee Ctenotus
Ctenotus atlas
137
Southern Sandslider
Lerista labialis
35
Southern Spiny-tailed Gecko
Strophurus intermedius
2
Spiny-palmed Shinning-skink
Cryptoblepharus carnabyi
53
Spotted Ctenotus
Ctenotus uber
13
Tessellated Gecko
Diplodactylus tessellatus
20
Thick-tailed Gecko
Underwoodisaurus milii
3
Three-lined Knob-tail
Nephrurus levis
72
Tree Dtella
Gehyra variegata
75
Tree Skink
Egernia striolata
5
Unbanded Delma
Delma butleri
27
Western Blue-tongued Lizard
Tiliqua occipitalis
Western Brown Snake
Pseudonaja nuchalis
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TSC
Number
Recorded
EN
14
EN
VU
1
6
1
Common Name
Scientific Name
EPBC
TSC
Wood Gecko
Diplodactylus vittatus
20
Wood Mulch-slider
Lerista muelleri
7
Yellow-faced Whip Snake
Demansia psammophis
2
Yellow-tailed Plain Slider
Lerista xanthura
VU
Number
Recorded
3
Frogs
Neobatrachus sp.
6
Eastern Banjo Frog
Limnodynastes dumerilii
1
Eastern Sign-bearing Froglet
Crinia parinsignifera
2
Green Tree Frog
Litoria caerulea
3
Long-thumbed Frog
Limnodynastes fletcheri
2
Painted Burrowing Frog
Neobatrachus pictus
Peron's Tree Frog
Litoria peronii
Southern Bell Frog
Litoria raniformis
Spotted Grass Frog
Limnodynastes tasmaniensis
5
Sudell's Frog
Neobatrachus sudelli
14
Trilling Frog
Neobatrachus centralis
2
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EN
1
9
VU
EN
4
Appendix D
Legal Framework
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Commonwealth legislation (Australia)
Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999
The primary objective of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act)
is to “provide for the protection of the environment, especially those aspects of the environment that are
matters of national environmental significance”.
Environmental approvals under the EPBC Act may be required for an “action”that has, will have or that
is likely to have a significant impact on:
(a) Matters of national environmental significance (known as ‘
NES matters’
); or
(b) The environment on Commonwealth land (whether or not the action is occurring on
Commonwealth land).
Approval for such an action may be required from the Commonwealth Minister for Environment and
Water Resources.
An “action”is considered to include a project, development, undertaking, activity or series of activities.
NES matters include:
»
World Heritage Areas;
»
National Heritage Places;
»
Ramsar wetlands of international importance;
»
Nationally listed threatened species and ecological communities;
»
Listed migratory species;
»
Nuclear actions; and
»
Commonwealth marine areas.
Several species of commonwealth threatened fauna including, Australian Painted Snipe (Rostratula
australis), Black-eared Miner (Manorina melanotis), Regent Parrot (Polytelis anthopeplus) and Greater
Long-eared Bat (Nyctophilus timoriensis) may utilise habitats in association with or in the vicinity of the
Anabranch lakes. Various flora species, including the Menindee Nightshade (Solanum karsense) have
been recorded from the Anabranch lakes and may persist throughout the lakes system.
Various construction works that may be planned in association with the Anabranch lakes (e.g.
construction of levees, regulators etc) should be assessed to clarify any potential issues in relation to the
EPBC Act (i.e. significant impacts to NES matters). Depending upon the findings of environmental
assessments, various works proposals may need to be referred to the Department of Environment,
Heritage, Water and the Arts for approval by the minister.
State
Environmental Planning and Assessment Act, 1979
Background
All development in NSW is assessed in accordance with the provisions of the Environmental Planning &
Assessment Act 1979 (EP&A Act) and Environmental Planning and Assessment Regulation 2000 (the
Regulation). The EP&A Act institutes a system for environmental planning and assessment, including
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approvals and environmental impact assessment. Implementation of the EP&A Act is the responsibility of
the Minister for Planning, statutory authorities and local councils.
The EP&A Act contains three schemes which impose requirements for planning approval:
»
Part 3A provides for control of ‘
major infrastructure or other projects’that require development
consent or other approval from the Minister for Planning;
»
Part 4 provides for control of ‘
local development’that requires development consent from the local
Council; and
»
Part 5 provides for control of ‘
activities’that do not require development consent or approval from the
Minister for Planning.
The need or otherwise for development consent is set out in environmental planning instruments – State
Environmental Planning Policies (SEPP), Regional Environmental Plans (REP) or Local Environmental
Plans (LEP).
In regard to on-ground works (e.g. construction of regulators, block banks, levees) for flow management
in conjunction with the Anabranch lakes, each scenario would need to be examined to assess which part
of the EP&A Act the works fall under.
Section 111 of the EP&A Act contains the duty of determining authorities to consider the environmental
impacts of an activity. When considering an activity, the determining authority is required to “examine
and take into account to the fullest extent possible all matters affecting or likely to affect the
environment”.
Section 112 of the EP&A Act requires the determining authority to consider whether the project is “likely
to significantly affect the environment”(including critical habitat) or threatened species, populations or
ecological communities, or their habitats.
If the determining authority decides the project would be likely to significantly affect the environment it
must obtain and consider an environmental impact statement (EIS). Further, if the project would be
carried out on land that is critical habitat, or if the determining authority decides the project would be
likely to significantly affect a threatened species, population, an ecological community or its habitat then it
must obtain and consider a Species Impact Statement (SIS).
Under Section 79C of the EP&A Act an assessment may need to be undertaken to decide whether there
is likely to be a significant effect on threatened species, populations or ecological communities, or their
habitats (‘
Assessment of Significance’or ‘
seven-part test of significance’
). This test must be undertaken
to determine the impact of a proposed development or activity on threatened species, populations or
ecological communities (as listed on the schedules of the TSC Act 1995).
A seven-part test of significance incorporates the following key questions:
»
A) In the case of a threatened species, whether the action proposed is likely to have an adverse effect
on the life cycle of the species such that a viable local population of the species is likely to be placed
at risk of extinction;
»
B) In the case of an endangered population, whether the action proposed is likely to have an adverse
effect on the life cycle of the species that constitutes the endangered population such that a viable
local population of the species is likely to be placed at risk of extinction;
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»
C) In the case of an endangered ecological community or critically endangered ecological community,
whether the action proposed:
– (i) Is likely to have an adverse effect on the extent of the ecological community such that its local
occurrence is likely to be placed at risk of extinction; or
– (ii) Is likely to substantially and adversely modify the composition of the ecological community such
that its local occurrence is likely to be placed at risk of extinction;
»
D) In relation to the habitat of a threatened species, population or ecological community:
– (i) The extent to which habitat is likely to be removed or modified as a result of the action
proposed; and
– (ii) Whether an area of habitat is likely to become fragmented or isolated from other areas of
habitat as a result of the proposed action; and
– (iii) The importance of the habitat to be removed, modified, fragmented or isolated to the long-term
survival of the species, population or ecological community in the locality;
»
E) Whether the action proposed is likely to have an adverse effect on critical habitat (either directly or
indirectly);
»
F) Whether the action proposed is consistent with the objectives or actions of a recovery plan or
threat abatement plan;
»
G) Whether the action proposed constitutes or is part of a key threatening process or is likely to result
in the operation of, or increase the impact of, a key threatening process.
The ‘
seven-part test’may need to be considered for proposed works in conjunction with the Anabranch
lakes, depending upon which part of the EP&A Act the development falls.
Any future construction works (e.g. levees, block-banks, regulators) proposed for any of the Anabranch
lakes will need to be assessed to determine which part of the EP&A Act is applicable, which in turn will
determine the level of assessment and relevant referral authority to assist in the approvals process.
Obligations under Section 79C of the EP&A Act will be clarified once the scheme that the development
falls under has been determined.
State Environmental Planning Policies
State Environmental Planning Policy (Major Projects)
State Environmental Planning Policy (Major Projects) 2005 identifies development that is subject to Part
3A of the EP&A Act and requires the consent of the Minister.
Each development proposal would need to be assessed to determine the scheme that is relevant to the
project and therefore determine whether the proposal constitutes a major project.
State Environmental Planning Policy No. 44 – Koala Habitat Protection
SEPP 44 aims to encourage the proper conservation and management of areas of natural vegetation
that provide habitat for koalas. According to SEPP 44, it is necessary to determine whether the sites
provide ‘
potential koala habitat’or ‘
core koala habitat’
. SEPP 44 will need to be considered in the
following situations:
»
The Wentworth LGA is listed in Schedule 1 of the SEPP as one of the local government areas that
must be considered under SEPP 44;
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»
If vegetation removal is considered at any stage due to proposed works in relation to the Anabranch
lakes;
»
If one of more of the feed trees listed in Schedule 2 of SEPP 44 may be present (e.g. River Red
Gums); and
»
The sites are greater than one hectare in area (regardless of the size of the potential disturbance).
This assessment of koala habitat should therefore be undertaken, even though there have been no
recent documented Koala records from the LMD CMA area, nor is it predicted to occur 4.
To meet the requirements of SEPP 44:
Potential koala habitat occurs if the total number of listed koala food trees in the upper and/or lower
strata comprises greater than 15% of the total number of all trees (as listed in Schedule 2 of SEPP 44).
Core koala habitat occurs can occur where there is a known population, a breeding population or a
historically known population.
In the case that potential koala habitat may be suspected, the following should occur:
1. The presence or absence of listed koala feed trees within a proposed development area should
be established.
– a) If absent, no further assessment is required.
– b) If present, and clearly comprising greater than 15% of the trees, the presence of core koala
habitat will need to be determined. (go to 3.)
– c) If present, but it is uncertain if the trees comprise more or less than 15%, then samples of tree
density will be required (go to 2.)
2. The percentage of koala feed trees within a proposal footprint will need to be determined by the
use of transects. At least two linear transects of 250 m length and 10 metres width should be
established across the site. The percentage of listed koala feed trees should then be calculated.
– a) If less than 15% of the total trees are listed feed trees, then no further assessment is required.
– b) If more than 15% of the total trees are listed feed trees, then the presence of core koala habitat
will need to be determined (go to 3).
3. At sites where there is potential koala habitat present, the presence of core koala habitat will
need to be determined. At each site, an appropriate number of sample areas will need to be
intensively surveyed. Within each sample area, at least 20 listed feed trees should be included.
At the base of each feed tree, searches should be conducted for koala scats. The trunks of each
feed tree should also be viewed for the presence of koala scratches. Any sightings of koalas
should also be noted.
– a) If any evidence of koalas were found at a site (particularly breeding females), then it would
probably be considered core habitat.
– b) If no evidence of koalas were found at a site, then it would probably not be considered core
habitat (given that there have been no historical records from the LMD CMA region).
4
Accessed from the DECC internet site on 11 June 2008
http://www.threatenedspecies.environment.nsw.gov.au/tsprofile/cma_list.aspx?name=Lower+Murray/Darling
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Development proposals in relation to the Anabranch Lakes (e.g. levees, block-banks, regulators), would
need to be assessed to determine the presence of listed koala feed trees (e.g. River Red Gum
Eucalyptus camaldulensis) and if present whether ‘
potential koala habitat’(and possibly ‘
core koala
habitat’
) is present. Once this has been determined, potential impacts to koala habitat (if present) will
need to be established and managed.
State environmental legislation
The Water Management Act 2000 (WM Act) is administered by the Department of Water and Energy
(DWE) (previously DNR).
The WM Act replaces the Water Act 1912 in systems where a Water Sharing Plan is developed and
implemented (although some parts of the Water Act 1912 remain in operation including licensing and
permit provisions).
The Anabranch lakes may be located within the Regulated Darling River Water Source. Any Water
Supply Works located within a water source require an approval. A water supply work is defined as:
»
A) A work (such as a water pump or water bore) that is constructed or used for the purpose of taking
water from a water source, or
»
B) A work (such as a tank or dam) that is constructed or used for the purpose of:
– (i) Capturing or storing rainwater run-off, or
– (ii) Storing water taken from a water source, or
»
C) A work (such as a water pipe or irrigation channel) that is constructed or used for the purpose of
conveying water to the point at which it is to be used, or
»
D) Any work (such as a bank or levee) that has the effect of diverting away from a water source any
overflow from the water source, or
»
E) Any work (such as a weir) that has the effect of impounding water in a water source,
– Including a reticulated system of such works, and includes all associated pipes, sluices, valves
and equipment, but does not include:
»
F) Any work (other than a water supply work under the control or management of the Sydney Water
Corporation, the Hunter Water Corporation or a local water utility) that receives water from a water
supply work under the control or management of the Sydney Water Corporation, the Hunter Water
Corporation or a local water utility, or
»
G) Any work declared by the regulations not to be a water supply work.
A water supply work approval authorises its holder to construct and use a specified water supply work at
a specified location. Possible future works in association with the Anabranch Lakes could be considered
water supply works due to the:
»
Possible storage of water from a water source (via levee, block-bank, regulator during inundation).
A water supply work approval authorises its holder to construct and use a specified water supply work at
a specified location.
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It is likely that proposed future works in relation to the Anabranch Lakes will require a water supply work
approval under the Water Management Act 2000. The DWE should be contacted for advice in relation to
the requirements under this act for all future proposed works.
Crown Lands Act 1989
The Crown Lands Act 1989 is administered by the Department of Lands.
Section 6 of the Crown Lands Act states that Crown land shall not be occupied, used, sold, leased,
licensed, dedicated or reserved or otherwise dealt with unless the occupation, use, sale, lease, licence,
reservation or dedication or other dealing is authorised by this Act or the Crown Lands (Continued
Tenures) Act 1989.
The Department of Lands should be contacted for each project proposal to determine whether a licence
or letter of approval will be required under the Crown Lands Act 1989 for any new land use or possibly
new structure proposed for the Anabranch Lakes.
Fisheries Management Act 1994
The objectives of the Fisheries Management Act 1994 (FM Act) are to conserve, develop and share the
fishery resources of the State for the benefit of present and future generations.
Possible future works in relation to the Anabranch Lakes (e.g. levees, block-banks, regulators) may
involve works associated with the removal of the existing structures and installation of new structures
which may require some excavation or removal of material from water land (being wetlands that are
intermittently submerged by water). Therefore, future works may be classified as dredging or reclamation
under the FM Act.
Section 200 of the FM Act states that a local government authority must not carry out dredging or
reclamation work except under the authority of a permit issued by the Minister. However this section
does not apply to work authorised under the Crown Lands Act 1989, or work authorised by a relevant
public authority (other than a local government authority).
Section 218 (5) of the FM Act states “a public authority that proposes to construct, alter or modify a dam,
weir or reservoir on a waterway (or to approve of any such construction, alteration or modification):
“(a) must notify the Minister of the proposal, and
(b) must, if the Minister so requests, include as part of the works for the dam, weir or reservoir, or
for its alteration or modification, a suitable fishway or fish by-pass.”
Rivers and Foreshores Improvement Act 1948 repealed by the Water Management Act 2002
The NSW Rivers and Foreshores Improvement Act 1948 (RFI Act) aims to provide effective controls on
activities that could harm sensitive waterway and foreshore environments. The Act has provisions that
require a permit for excavations, fill and other works within 40m of the top of the bank for rivers, estuaries
and lakes as it is recognised that they can have significant detrimental environmental impacts on habitat,
water quality, flooding and erosion.
Approval under Part 3A of the RFI Act is normally required to:
»
Excavate or remove material from the bank, shore or bed of any stream, estuary or lake, or land that
is not more than 40m from the top of the bank or shore of protected waters;
»
Build erosion control works or other structures in a river, estuary or lake; or
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Management Plan
»
Place any fill material in a river, estuary or lake.
The majority of future proposed works in relation to the Anabranch Lakes would likely involve works
within 40m of a waterway, however, Clause 22H (1)(b) excludes public authorities (if they were to
undertake possible future works) from having to obtain a Part 3A Permit.
While various public authorities appear to be exempt from requiring approvals under the RFI Act 1948 for
works they plan and are responsible for, DWE (previously the responsibility of DNR) may direct them to
undertake remedial works if their activities have or are likely to cause damage to a watercourse.
Native Vegetation Act 2003
The Native Vegetation Act 2003 applies to the clearing of native vegetation outside certain specified
areas, and requires development consent from the Minister for Planning for certain activities. Section 6 of
the Act defines native vegetation as any of the following types of indigenous vegetation:
(a) trees (including any sapling or shrub, or any scrub),
(b) understorey plants,
(c) groundcover (being any type of herbaceous vegetation),
(d) plants occurring in a wetland.
Section 7 defines clearing native vegetation as being any one or more of the following:
(a) cutting down, felling, thinning, logging or removing native vegetation,
(b) killing, destroying, poisoning, ringbarking, uprooting or burning native vegetation.
Section 25 of the Act goes on to state legislative exclusions. Some exclusions include clearing that is
carried out in accordance with a certain license or permit issued under other Acts (i.e. specific permits
under the Fisheries Management Act 1994, Water Act 1912, Water Management Act 2000).
It should be noted that lakebed native vegetation that was cleared under licence prior to 1983 and has
since re-grown (i.e. has not been subsequently re-cleared for cropping purposes) would now be termed
protected re-growth and can not be cleared without a new permit under the Native Vegetation Act 2003.
Native vegetation may need to be removed depending upon the nature of any proposed future works
planned in relation to the Anabranch Lakes (e.g. levee construction, block-banks, regulators) in which
case it should initially be determined whether the works will be conducted under another Act as detailed
above (this would need to occur in relation to works such as regulators, as under the Native Vegetation
Act 2003, clearing within the riparian zone is not generally permitted). For proposal such as future
cropping, the LMD CMA in the region should be contacted to determine whether the proposal is likely to
proceed (PVP developer) and whether there is a need for a Property Vegetation Plan (PVP).
Heritage Act 1977
The Heritage Act 1977 is concerned with all aspects of conservation ranging from the most basic
protection against indiscriminate damage and demolition of buildings and sites, through to restoration
and enhancement.
Heritage places and items of particular importance to the people of NSW are listed on the State Heritage
Register. The key to listing on the State Heritage Register is the level of significance. Only those heritage
items that are of state significance are listed on the Register.
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Management Plan
In addition, the Heritage Act contains provisions relating to relics. The term "relic" under the Heritage Act
"means any deposit, object or material evidence: (a) which relates to the settlement of the area that
comprises New South Wales, not being Aboriginal settlement, and (b) which is 50 or more years old."
Section 139 of the Heritage Act prohibits a person from disturbing or excavating any land on which the
person has discovered or exposed a relic, except in accordance with an excavation permit or a
notification granting exception for the permit.
As well, a person must not disturb or excavate any land knowing or having reasonable cause to suspect
that the disturbance or excavation will or is likely to result in a relic being discovered, exposed, moved,
damaged or destroyed unless the disturbance or excavation is carried out in accordance with an
excavation permit or a notification granting an exception.
Proposed future works in relation to the Anabranch Lakes will need to consider the presence of relics in
the vicinity of a development “footprint”. The employment of an archaeologist to conduct an assessment
of this type may be required.
The objectives of the Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995 (TSC Act) include:
»
To conserve biological diversity and promote ecologically sustainable development;
»
To prevent the extinction and promote the recovery of threatened species, populations and ecological
communities;
»
To protect the critical habitat of those threatened species, populations and ecological communities
that are endangered;
»
To eliminate or manage certain processes that threaten the survival or evolutionary development of
threatened species, populations and ecological communities;
»
To ensure that the impact of any action affecting threatened species, populations and ecological
communities is properly assessed; and
»
To encourage the conservation of threatened species, populations and ecological communities by the
adoption of measures involving cooperative management.
The TSC Act provides for identification, and classification, of the State listed species, populations and
ecological communities with which this Act is concerned. It also provides for the identification of key
threatening processes that are most likely to jeopardise the survival of those species, populations and
ecological communities.
The TSC Act applies to the removal of threatened species, populations and ecological communities on
both private and public land. Therefore, it may be applicable to any future proposed works in relation to
the Anabranch Lakes. If threatened species, populations or ecological communities are proposed to be
impacted, consultation with the relevant state authorities (e.g. DECC) must be undertaken to determine
what measures should be implemented to avoid and/or minimise impacts.
An offence relating to the damaging of critical habitat is contained in the National Parks and Wildlife Act
1974. That Act also makes it an offence for a person to damage the habitat of a threatened species,
population or ecological community.
The TSC Act also contains provisions about species impact statements. These statements are employed
to measure the significance of the effect of actions on threatened species, populations or ecological
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Management Plan
communities, or their habitats. A species impact statement must be lodged with an application for a
licence under this Part if the Director-General determines that the action proposed is likely to significantly
affect threatened species, populations or ecological communities, or their habitats. Other conditions
pertaining to the granting of a licence under this Act are outlined in Part 6 of the Act:
http://www.legislation.nsw.gov.au/viewtop/inforce/act+101+1995+FIRST+0+N
Key Threatening Processes
A number of listed threatening processes are likely to be already operating in conjunction with the
Anabranch Lakes. The following listed threatening processes are identified5 as potentially relevant to
future proposed works in relation to the Anabranch Lakes from the perspective of terrestrial fauna (there
may be other threatening processes depending upon specific projects). Proposals will need to ensure
that new threatening processes do not result, or that existing threatening processes are not exacerbated:
»
Alteration to the natural flow regimes of rivers, streams, floodplains and wetlands;
»
Clearing of native vegetation;
»
Competition and grazing by the feral European Rabbit;
»
Competition and habitat degradation by feral goats;
»
Competition by feral honeybees;
»
Feral pigs;
»
Infection of frogs by amphibian-chytrid causing the disease chytridiomycosis;
»
Predation by feral cats;
»
Predation by the European Red Fox6;
»
Predation by the Plague Minnow (Gambusia holbrooki)7; and
»
Removal of dead wood and dead trees.
National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974
The National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974 (NPW Act) provides the basis for legal protection and
management of Aboriginal sites and objects in NSW. The implementation of the Aboriginal heritage
provisions in the Act is the responsibility of the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS).
Section 87 of the NPW Act states that a permit may be issued to disturb or excavate archaeological sites
or objects. Under Section 90 of the NPW Act, it is an offence to knowingly destroy, deface or damage an
object, except in accordance with an approval granted under that section.
A cultural heritage assessment is recommended prior to the commencement of any proposed works (e.g.
levees, regulators, block-banks) to ensure that items of cultural heritage significance are not disturbed or
damaged.
5
Accessed from the DECC internet site on 11 June 2008
http://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/npws.nsf/Content/Key+threatening+processes+by+doctype
6
A final threat abatement plan has been prepared for this threatening process, accessed 23 August 2006
http://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/npws.nsf/Content/Predation+by+the+red+fox+-+final+threat+abatement+plan
7
A final threat abatement plan has been prepared for this threatening process, accessed 23 August 2006
http://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/npws.nsf/Content/threat_abatement_plan_plague_minnow
31/22915/601562
Management Plan
Western Lands Act 1901
Cropping permits are issued under Section 18DA of the Western Lands Act, 1901. Permits pertaining to
the lakebeds of the Darling Anabranch are classified as cultivation after receding floodwaters and
granted by the Western Lands Commissioner.
Compliance relating to cropping on lakebeds is under the jurisdiction of the Western Lands
Commissioner. If a suspected breach of conditions is observed or reported, the lease may be inspected
by a Rangelands Management Officer. Following his/her report, the Western Lands Commissioner may
take any compliance action under the provisions of the Western Lands Act, 1901.
A lease may also be forfeited under Section 18DA. (12) of the Western Lands Act, 1901, if land is
cultivated without a Cultivation Consent or contrary to any condition in a Cultivation Consent.
The draft cropping permit conditions are detailed in Appendix C. These conditions are currently under
review and have been referred to DECC, DPI and LMD CMA for comment.
By-laws
The Water Management (WM) Act 2000 will give the Darling Anabranch Private Irrigation District (PID)
responsibility of operations in regard to water supply within their boundaries. Lakebed structures would
be works that qualify as "water supply works" as described in the WM Act, and consequently can be
works of the PID. There are no operational rules in the WM Act describing how a PID should operate its
structures. Internal operations are left to the PID. The use of PID works as control structures for
containment of environmental flows (E-flows) is outside usual PID operations. The operation of structures
for containment of E-flows will depend not on the legislation, but rather on a written agreement between
the PID and whoever the controlling body is to achieve the E-flow outcomes.
Section 196 of the WM Act provides for the making of by-laws: "a by-law may create an offence
punishable by a penalty not exceeding 0.5 penalty units". Penalty units are given a monetary value in the
regulations.
31/22915/601562
Management Plan
GHD
57 Orange Avenue
Mildura, Victoria 3500
T: (03) 5018 5200 F: (03) 5018 5201 E: [email protected]
© GHD 2008
This document is and shall remain the property of GHD. The document may only be used for the purpose
of assessing our offer of services and for inclusion in documentation for the engagement of GHD.
Unauthorised use of this document in any form whatsoever is prohibited.
Document Status
Reviewer
Approved for Issue
Rev
No.
Author
1
F Deans
A Holmes
F Deans
2
F Deans
A Holmes
F Deans
3.09.08
3
F Deans
J Tregeagle
F Deans
24.10.08
Name
31/22915/601562
Management Plan
Signature
Name
Signature
Date
10.7.08

Lower Murray Darling CMA Darling Anabranch Lakes Management

Transcription

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