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Glenelg Hopkins
YAMBUK LAKE
ESTUARY AND WETLANDS
MANAGEMENT PLAN
Healthy waterways for the benefit of all
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The Yambuk Lake estuary and wetlands represent a major natural asset for the Yambuk community, the people of the
Glenelg Hopkins region and the broader community.
This management plan provides a basis for co-ordinated protection and enhancement of the environmental values of the
area while also considering the social and economic values that are of great importance to the local and wider
community.
This is the first management plan for an estuary within the Glenelg Hopkins region. Its development fulfils one of the high
priorities identified by the South West Estuaries Coastal Action Plan (Western Coastal Board 2002), and represents the first
step toward meeting Regional Management Action Target 83 in the Glenelg Hopkins Regional Catchment Strategy. (RMAT
83: Meet aspirational target for coastal areas through developing and implementing individual estuary management
plans in accordance with the South West Estuaries Coastal Action Plan.)
The Yambuk estuary and wetlands provide a diverse range of habitat for a large number of species. Sixty-nine indigenous
flora species have been recorded in the area, along with 134 species of birds. Birds that inhabit the area include migratory
species listed under the China Australia and Japan Australia Migratory Bird Agreements. Eight of the bird species are
identified as endangered or critically endangered on the Threatened Wildlife of Victoria (TWV) list. Critically endangered
species include the Orange-bellied Parrot and Little Egret. Nine bird species are also listed under the Victorian Flora and
Fauna Guarantee Act 1988, including some species on the TWV listing.
Twenty-four species of fish are known to inhabit the estuary and wetlands, including Dwarf Galaxias and Yarra Pygmy
Perch. Both species are listed under the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999
(vulnerable and endangered respectively).
Yambuk Lake and fringing wetlands are considered to be of national significance due to their habitat value and because
the area is considered an excellent example of an estuary with fringing wetlands.
The plan uses an asset - threat-based approach to identify the key values of the area and risks to the continued health
and viability of these assets. This approach is consistent with the Glenelg Hopkins River Health Strategy. Assessment of
the threats posed to assets in the area and determination of practical means to reduce or eliminate these threats has
allowed formulation of management actions. These management actions have been grouped into a set of key programs
that when implemented, will provide significant benefits in terms of maintenance and enhancement of the values in the
area. An implementation guide that maps out a systematic approach to the execution of actions has also been developed.
Following is a quick reference guide to the key implementation programs, their objectives and targets and their location
within the document.
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Yambuk Lake Estuary and Wetlands
IMPLEMENTATION PROGRAM QUICK REFERENCE GUIDE
Program
Objective
Target
Relevant Sections
Native flora, fauna and habitat
Improved protection and
management of native flora
and fauna with no further
losses of native flora and
fauna species.
To ensure there is a net
Sections 2.1, 9.1.1, 10.1
gain in both native flora
and fauna, with no further
losses of native flora and
fauna species.
Pest plants and animals
1. To achieve low numbers of
species of introduced flora
and fauna within the Yambuk
area through ongoing control
programs
To achieve long-term
control of pest plant and
animals within the area
Sections 3.1.1, 3.1.2,
9.1.2, 10.2
2. To prevent establishment of
new pest plant and animal
species in the area through
early identification and
control
Water quality
Water quality and quantity
that protects the diversity
and abundance of aquatic
ecosystems and allows
recreational and aesthetic
enjoyment of the estuary
To achieve better than
State Environment
Protection Policy
guideline maximum
concentrations for water
quality readings 80%
of the time by 2020.
Sections 3.1.3 Water
quality, 9.1.3, 10.3
Soils, erosion and
sedimentation
Protect soil health and
minimise estuary
sedimentation and
erosion in the catchment,
along river banks and on
the estuary foreshore
Development of stream
side buffers in 50% of
the catchment and the
estuary by 2050 to
restrict stock access
and allow regeneration of
native plant species.
Sections 3.1.3 Soils,
erosion and
sedimentation, 9.1.4,
10.4
Flooding
To achieve as close to a
natural flooding regime
as possible, taking into
account social, economic,
and environmental
requirements and the
modified status of the
estuary and wetland
1. Accurate quantification Sections 2.1.4, 3.1.3
of the area of land
Flooding, 9.1.5
affected by flooding
2. Accurate quantification
of the economic impact
of flooding of agricultural
land
3. Determination of the
environmental
requirements for flooding
Estuary entrance
and artificial river
mouth opening
Develop a management
process for the estuary
entrance that provides
the best possible
compromise between
the ecological
requirements of the
estuary and wetlands
and the social and
economic requirements
of the local community
Develop a protocol for
estuary mouth opening
using the decision
support framework by
the end of 2006
Sections 3.1.3 Estuary
entrance and artificial
river mouth opening,
9.1.6
Climate change
Actively manage risk
associated with predicted
climate change within
the Yambuk area
Ensure the effects of
climate change are
incorporated into the
Moyne Shire Planning
Scheme by 2010
Sections 3.1.3
Climate Change,
9.1.7
Diseases, viruses and
infections
Maintain healthy
indigenous flora and
fauna populations
Recreation
Recreational uses of
the estuary, foreshore
and wetlands that do
not compromise the
natural values of the
system
Section 3.1.4, 9.1.8
Policies to ensure
recreational activities
that do not compromise
the natural values of the
system
Sections 2.2.1, 3.2, 9.2.1
Yambuk Lake Estuary and Wetlands Management Plan
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Program
4
Objective
Target
Relevant Sections
Cultural
Protect areas of cultural
Protection of all sites of
significance and increase
archaeological and
community understanding and heritage significance
awareness of cultural heritage
values within the project area
Sections 2.3.1, 2.3.2, 3.3,
9.3
Agriculture
To ensure agricultural activities
are undertaken in a sustainable
way that ensures impacts on
adjoining wetlands and estuary
are minimised
Economically and
environmentally
sustainable agricultural
enterprises in the
Yambuk area.
Sections 2.4.1, 3.4.1,
9.4.1
Commercial and recreational
fishing
Manage commercially and
recreationally important
fish and invertebrate
species at levels that can
be sustainably harvested,
while protecting the
aquatic ecosystem
95% compliance
with relevant fishing
legislation
Sections 2.4.3, 2.4.4,
3.4.2, 9.4.2
Local government planning
Direct and control
development to protect the
values of the Yambuk Lake
estuary and wetlands and
continue economic
development within the
framework of ecological
sustainability.
Adoption of planning
policy, zones and
overlays into the
Moyne Shire Planning
Scheme that protect
and enhance the
values of Yambuk Lake
estuary and wetlands.
Sections 4, 9.5
Monitoring and evaluation
Monitor and evaluate the
health and functioning of
the estuary and
implementation of the
management plan
Undertake an evaluation
of the effectiveness of
implementing actions
identified within this
plan in 2009
Sections 5, 9.6
Community engagement and
capacity building
Community engagement in
processes of policy making,
planning, decision-making
and practical activities
focussed on the health
of the estuary.
To increase awareness,
understanding and
involvement in the
management of Yambuk
Lake estuary and
wetlands
Sections 6, 9.7
Yambuk Lake Estuary and Wetlands
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
This plan has been adapted from drafts prepared by Chris Harty on behalf of Moyne Shire Council, and Framlingham
Aboriginal Trust, as part of the Natural Heritage Trust funded project - Using Wetlands Wisely Community Project.
Development of these drafts was guided by members of the Using Wetlands Wisely Community Project steering committee
and members of the local community.
In addition, Glenelg Hopkins CMA acknowledges the following contributors to the preparation of this plan:
Members of the Glenelg Hopkins CMA Coast and Marine Technical Working Group
Yambuk Farmers Action Group
Kath Gosden - Moyne Shire Council
Linda Grant - Glenelg Hopkins CMA
Kylie Bishop - Glenelg Hopkins CMA
Graeme Jeffery - Glenelg Hopkins CMA
This management plan has been officially endorsed by the following agencies and groups:
Department of Primary Industries (Fisheries)
Department of Sustainability and Environment
Framlingham Aboriginal Trust
Moyne Shire Council
Parks Victoria
Western Coastal Board
Yambuk Farmers Action Group
ISBN 0759411026
Glenelg Hopkins - Copyright Notice
(c) Glenelg Hopkins Management Authority (2004)
This work is the subject of copyright.
All rights reserved. No part of this work may be reproduced, adapted, published or communicated (made available online or electronically transmitted) to the public,
without the prior written permission of Glenelg Hopkins Catchment Management Authority or as expressly permitted by the Copyright Act 1968 (as amended)(Cth) or
other copyright laws. All authorised or permitted, reproduction, adaptation, publication or communication (made available online or electronically transmitted) to the
public, of the work or part thereof must include full acknowledgement of the source and Glenelg Hopkins Catchment Management Authority's ownership of copyright.
River Catchment Strategy
5
JARGON
Below is a list of the acronyms and abbreviations used throughout this management plan. A glossary of terms can be
found on page 83.
ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS
AAV - Aboriginal Affairs Victoria
ASS - acid sulphate soil.
ARMO - artificial river mouth opening.
CAMBA - China Australia Migratory Bird Agreement.
CH - Chris Harty Planning and Environment Management.
DCNR - former Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, now DSE.
DEH - Department of Environment and Heritage (Federal Government department).
DIMIA - Department of Immigration, Multicultural and Indigenous Affairs (Federal Government department).
DOI - Department of Infrastructure.
DPI -Department of Primary Industries.
DSE - Department of Sustainability and Environment.
DU - Deakin University.
DVC - Department of Victorian Communities.
EVC - ecological vegetation class
EPA - Environment Protection Authority.
FAT - Framlingham Aboriginal Trust
GHCMA - Glenelg Hopkins CMA
IPA - Indigenous Protected Area
ISC - Index of Stream Condition
IUCN - World Conservation Union
JAMBA - Japan Australia Migratory Bird Agreement
LCC - Land Conservation Council
MSC - Moyne Shire Council
NHT - Natural Heritage Trust
NTU - nephelometric turbidity unit
PV - Parks Victoria
SAC - Scientific Advisory Committee.
SEPP WoV - State Environment Protection Policy Waters of Victoria.
SRW - Southern Rural Water
TFN - Trust for Nature
VFF - Victorian Farmers Federation
WCB - Western Coastal Board
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Yambuk Lake Estuary and Wetlands
1. INTRODUCTION
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1.1 MANAGEMENT PLAN STATUS
1.2 POLICY FRAMEWORK
1.3 MANAGEMENT PLAN DEVELOPMENT
1.4 IMPLEMENTATION OF THE YAMBUK LAKE ESTUARY AND WETLANDS MANAGEMENT PLAN
1.5 SITE DESCRIPTION
1.5.1 Land tenure and management
1.5.2 Adjacent land use
1.6 CATCHMENT SETTING
1.6.1 Local government area
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2. ASSETS
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2.1 ENVIRONMENTAL
2.1.1 Habitat
2.1.2 Flora
2.1.3 Fauna
Birds
Orange-bellied Parrot
Mammals
Fish
Dwarf Galaxias
Yarra Pygmy Perch
Macroinvertebrates
Reptiles and Amphibians
2.1.4 Natural Processes
Flooding
2.2 SOCIAL
2.2.1 Recreation
2.3 CULTURAL
2.3.1 Aboriginal
2.3.2 Non-Aboriginal
2.4 ECONOMIC
2.4.1 Agriculture
2.4.2 Tourism
2.4.3 Recreational fishing
2.4.4 Commercial fishing
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3. THREATS AND THREATENING PROCESSES
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3.1 ENVIRONMENTAL
3.1.1 Pest plants
Cape Tulip
Paterson's Curse
Gorse
Sea Spurge
Potentially threatening pest plants
Divided Sedge
Spartina
Coast Wattle
3.1.2 Pest Animals
Rabbits
Foxes
Cats
Potentially threatening pest animals
European Carp
Yellow-fin Goby
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Yambuk Lake Estuary and Wetlands Management Plan
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3.1.3 Natural processes
Flooding and altered flood regime
Altered hydrology
Estuary entrance and artificial river mouth opening (ARMO)
Soils, erosion and sedimentation
Water quality
pH
Nutrients
Turbidity
Dissolved oxygen
Climate change
Sea level rise
3.1.4 Diseases, viruses and infections
3.2 SOCIAL
3.3 CULTURAL
3.4 ECONOMIC
3.4.1 Agriculture
3.4.2 Commercial fishing
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4 LOCAL GOVERNMENT PLANNING
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4.1 Planning scheme
4.2 Local planning policy
4.3 Zones and overlays
Zones
Overlays
4.4 Landscape values
4.5 Sea change
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5. MONITORING AND EVALUATION
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6. COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT AND CAPACITY BUILDING
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7. ON-GOING PROGRAMS
WATER QUALITY MONITORING
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8. FURTHER RESEARCH AND INFORMATION/KNOWLEDGE GAPS
ESTUARY ENTRANCE MANAGEMENT - DECISION SUPPORT FRAMEWORK
ARTIFICIAL RIVER MOUTH OPENING PROTOCOLS
APPLICATION OF LAND STEWARDSHIP PRACTICES
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9. MANAGEMENT OBJECTIVES, TARGETS AND ACTIONS
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9.1 ENVIRONMENTAL
9.1.1 Native flora, fauna and habitat
9.1.2 Pest plants and animals
9.1.3 Water quality
9.1.4 Soils, erosion and sedimentation
9.1.5 Flooding
9.1.6 Estuary entrance and artificial river mouth opening
9.1.7 Climate change
9.1.8 Diseases, viruses and infections
9.2 SOCIAL
9.2.1 Recreation
9.3 CULTURAL
9.4 ECONOMIC
9.4.1 Agriculture
9.4.2 Commercial and recreational fishing
9.5 LOCAL GOVERNMENT PLANNING
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Yambuk Lake Estuary and Wetlands
9.6 MONITORING AND EVALUATION
9.7 COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT AND CAPACITY BUILDING
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10. IMPLEMENTATION PROGRAM
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10.1 HABITAT PROTECTION AND ENHANCEMENT PROGRAM
10.1.1 Native flora, fauna and habitat
10.1.2 Land purchase
10.1.3 Fish passage
10.1.4 Ramsar listing
10.2 PEST PLANT AND ANIMAL CONTROL PROGRAM
10.2.1 Priority species
10.2.2 New and emerging species
10.3 WATER QUALITY PROTECTION AND ENHANCEMENT PROGRAM
10.3.1 Water quality monitoring
10.4 SOILS, EROSION AND SEDIMENTATION
10.4.1 Erosion
10.5 LOCAL GOVERNMENT
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REFERENCES
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GLOSSARY
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FURTHER INFORMATION
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APPENDICIES
A - RELEVANT LEGISLATION, STRATEGIES AND POLICIES
B - LEAD MANAGEMENT AGENCIES AND THEIR KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
C - NATIVE AND INTRODUCED VEGETATION, ECOLOGICAL VEGETATION CLASSES
EVCs
Native Vegetation
Introduced vegetation
D - BIRD SPECIES
E - FISH SPECIES RECORDED AT YAMBUK LAKE
F - WORKS ON WATERWAYS LICENCE FOR ARTIFICIAL RIVER MOUTH OPENING OF EUMERALLA RIVER - 2004
Standard Permit Conditions
G - PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL WATER QUALITY MONITORING
H - STATE ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION POLICY GUIDELINES FOR VICTORIAN ESTUARIES
Yambuk Lake Estuary and Wetlands Management Plan
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Yambuk Lake Estuary and Wetlands Management Plan
1.0 INTRODUCTION
Yambuk Lake Estuary and Wetlands Management Plan
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1.0 INTRODUCTION
The Yambuk Lake Estuary and Wetlands Management Plan provides management agencies and community
stakeholders with a framework to ensure decisions regarding land use, development, and ongoing management are
made with full regard for the environmental, economic and social values of the area.
The plan provides a brief description of what is currently known about the Yambuk Lake estuary and wetlands
system and identifies:
• actions required to protect and enhance existing values and sustainable use of the estuary, lake and wetlands
• information and knowledge gaps that require further research and investigation so that appropriate management
actions can be formulated and incorporated into the plan in the future.
Annual review of progress with implementation is proposed. These reviews will be undertaken by the Glenelg Hopkins
Coast and Marine Technical Working Group in partnership with local community representatives. The plan will be
produced in a ring binder format that will allow updates as actions are implemented and new information becomes
available.
1.1 MANAGEMENT PLAN STATUS
This management plan has been developed under the Glenelg Hopkins River Health Strategy according to the provisions
of the Water Act 1989 Section 189 (a) to (d). It is also recognised under the South West Estuaries Coastal Action Plan, and
therefore the Coastal Management Act 1995, but remains a stand-alone document.
1.2 POLICY FRAMEWORK
A suite of relevant Commonwealth and Victorian legislation and policy that directs the management of estuaries and
estuarine wetlands is outlined in the Victorian Coastal Strategy (Victorian Coastal Council 2002) and the South West
Estuaries Coastal Action Plan (Western Coastal Board 2002).
At the regional level, there are a range of plans and strategies providing for the protection and enhancement of natural
and cultural values of the Yambuk Lake estuary and wetlands. Victoria has a strong policy framework and, as a result,
these plans and strategies have a high level of integrated planning and address many aspects of sustainable use. These
plans and strategies, along with relevant legislation, are presented in Appendix A.
The Victorian Coastal Strategy (2002) is especially relevant to the Yambuk Lake estuary and wetlands Management Plan.
Endorsed by the State Government in 2002 it establishes the overall framework for planning and managing the Victorian
coast. The aim of this strategy is to ensure Victoria's coastal and marine environment continues to be well managed and
used by present and future generations. The strategy directly impacts on all coastal Crown land.
Implementation of the strategy is undertaken through coastal action plans (CAPs) that allow for the broad principles and
strategies identified at the state level to be further developed and applied regionally. Two coastal action plans relevant
to the Yambuk Lake estuary and wetlands have been prepared - the Moyne Shire Coastal Action Plan (2001) and the South
West Estuaries Coastal Action Plan (2002).
The South West Estuaries CAP provides a regional framework to "facilitate the development and implementation of
individual estuary management plans" (Western Coastal Board 2002).
The Yambuk Lake estuary and wetlands
Management Plan has been developed under this CAP, and therefore seeks to address those objectives of the Victorian
Coastal Strategy relating to this estuary.
Figure 1 shows the legislation that requires a management plan for the Yambuk Lake estuary and wetlands and some of
the legislation that directly impacts on the management of the estuary. Appendix A provides more detail regarding the
legislation, policies and the management plan framework.
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River Catchment Strategy
1.3 MANAGEMENT PLAN DEVELOPMENT
Initial drafts of this plan were produced and distributed to members of the Yambuk Lake Estuary and Wetlands
Management Plan steering committee during 2002. This process involved consultation with the local community,
including one-on-one interviews with local landholders during 2002. Development of the plan originally began as a
component of a broader NHT funded project - Using Wetlands Wisely Yambuk Community Project - managed by Moyne
Shire in partnership with Framlingham Aboriginal Trust.
River Catchment Strategy
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With input from the Yambuk Lake Estuary and Wetlands Management Plan steering committee, Moyne Shire Council in
partnership with the Glenelg Hopkins CMA commenced a revision process in 2003. This focused on re-modelling the draft
to make it consistent with the current approach to natural resource management plans in Victoria - for example, the
Victorian River Health Strategy (2002), Glenelg Hopkins CMA River Health Strategy (2004) and the Glenelg Hopkins CMA
Draft Native Vegetation Plan (2003).
1.4 IMPLEMENTATION OF THE YAMBUK LAKE ESTUARY AND
WETLANDS MANAGEMENT PLAN
The long term preservation and enhancement of the lake, estuary and wetland system and the associated biodiversity,
social and economic values requires cooperative management by all stakeholders, including the community and agencies.
Balancing these values for responsible management into the future is a difficult task, and adaptive, co-ordinated
management will be important to maximise the benefits flowing from implementation of this plan.
Progress reviews, including updating of the management plan, will be conducted through annual review meetings.
These meetings will include local community stakeholders and agency staff. Agency staff will be represented by
members of the Glenelg Hopkins CMA's Coast and Marine Technical Working Group, comprising:
l
Glenelg Hopkins CM
l
Parks Victoria
l
Deakin University
l
Department of Sustainability and Environment
l
Department of Primary Industries
l
Western Coastal Board
l
Local Government
l
South West and Wimmera Cultural Heritage Program.
Community representatives will be invited from:
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Yambuk Farmers' Action Group
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Yambuk Community Inc.
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Yambuk Caravan Park
l
St Helens Shelter Belters, the local landcare group
l
Yambuk Angling Club.
Representation from other groups and individuals within the community will be sought as specific issues arise.
Responsibility for convening these annual meetings will rest with the Glenelg Hopkins CMA.
1.5 SITE DESCRIPTION
Yambuk Lake is the estuary of the Eumeralla River catchment including the Shaw River. It incorporates the Yambuk
wetlands and is located near Yambuk township in South West Victoria, Australia. Yambuk is approximately 17 km west
of Port Fairy (Refer to Figure 2). The estuary system is a seasonally closed, estuarine coastal lagoon system formed in a
drowned river valley. The associated wetlands comprises floodplain depressions separated from the Eumeralla River by
low natural levee banks (Environment Australia 2002). The landforms are of relatively recent origin in geological terms,
around 6,000 years old (Kench 1999). Freshwater is provided by the catchments of the Eumeralla and Shaw rivers.
The Yambuk Lake estuary and wetlands lie behind a series of dune ridges and calcarenite formations on low-lying land.
The landform is typical of many estuaries in southern Australia as it contains a large central basin with a narrow
connection with the sea (Potter and Hyndes 1999). Sand deposited at the estuary mouth during low flow periods forms
a barrier (or bar) preventing the exchange of water with the sea. This closure causes water levels in the lake to rise,
leading to inundation of adjacent land. The sand bar can be breached naturally as pressure increases when the water
level in the wetland system rises, by wave action or artificially by mechanical means (eg. excavator).
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Yambuk Lake Estuary and Wetlands
Figure 2 Location of Yambuk Lake estuary and wetlands in relation to Port Fairy
Yambuk Lake Estuary and Wetlands Management Plan
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Apart from a sandy bottom near its entrance, the floor of the estuary is generally muddy with brackish water. The system
is affected by tidal flows when the estuary entrance is open or by waves overtopping the sand bar when the estuary
mouth is closed. This influences both salinity and water level within the estuary. Yambuk Lake estuary is subject to
stratification of the water column caused by differences in the relative density between saltwater and freshwater.
Estuaries where this stratification occurs are commonly known as a salt wedge type estuary. Stratification occurs as
dense, relatively heavy salt water (due to its high salt content) flows into the system and "wedges" beneath the
freshwater. Figure 3 provides a diagrammatic representation of this process.
An estuary is the mixing place of seawater and freshwater that flows off (or through) the land areas of the catchment,
making the extent of an estuary dependent on freshwater and seawater inputs.
This management plan covers the lake, estuary and wetlands stretching from the mouth of the Eumeralla River to the
Princes Highway bridge at Codrington; the Shaw River from the Princes Highway to the lake; and those wetlands from 2.5
km east of Crags Road to the lake. All terrestrial areas within this boundary are also included. The attached map (page
109) shows the boundary of the management plan. Parts of this area are also subject to a native title claim made under
the Native Title Act 1992. The claim does not apply to private freehold land, but it does include all vacant Crown land,
public reserves, beaches and foreshores, land held by government agencies and any other public or Crown lands.
Figure 3 Movement of salt water in an estuary
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Yambuk Lake Estuary and Wetlands
1.5.1 LAND TENURE AND MANAGEMENT
Land within the area covered by this plan is managed by a number of stakeholders under relevant legislation (Table 1). A
range of stakeholders are also responsible for managing other values of the area, such as flora and fauna and water
quality. These management agencies and their key responsibilities are summarised in Appendix B. The legislative and
policy framework applicable to the Yambuk Lake estuary and wetlands is outlined in Appendix A.
Table 1: Land Reservation Status and Management. This table has been verified by Crown Land Management DSE March 2004.
Area
Land Reservation Status
Legal Status
Management
Yambuk Lake including the
mouth of the Eumeralla River
(area subject to artificial river
mouth openings)
Permanently reserved for
Public Recreation Reserve
Crown Land (Reserves) Act
1978
Parks Victoria
Shoreline west of the estuary
entrance
Coastal Protection Reserve
Crown Land (Reserves) Act
1978
Parks Victoria
Eastern shoreline located near
the estuary entrance
Public Purposes Reserve
Crown Land (Reserves) Act
1978
Moyne Shire Council
The bed of the Eumeralla River Permanently reserved for
upstream from Yambuk Lake
Public Purposes
(with no Crown land frontage
present)
Crown Land (Reserves) Act
1978
DSE
Land south of the Eumeralla
River, west of Yambuk Lake
Deen Maar Indigenous
Protected Area
Private land
Framlingham
Aboriginal Trust
Shoreline west of the estuary
entrance
Coastal Protection Reserve
Private land
Private
Yambuk Lake Estuary and Wetlands Management Plan
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1.5.2 ADJACENT LAND USE
The majority of land within the management plan area is privately owned and has been cleared for agriculture, principally
dairying and stock grazing. South-east of the lake, not far from the river mouth, is the Yambuk Caravan Park, which has
powered and non-powered sites catering to a maximum of 120 people. Peak season at the park is from December through
April. Adjoining the caravan park is a nine-house residential development. This housing is predominantly used by
holidaymakers and is limited in extent by zoning and current planning policy that restricts further residential growth.
South-west of the lake is the site of the Yambuk Wind Farm, which is being constructed on three private properties and
joins the current Codrington Wind Farm. Deen Maar is an Indigenous Protected Area covering 453 ha. Framlingham
Aboriginal Trust manages this area according to international guidelines designed to protect and enhance cultural values.
Deen Maar's frontage onto the lake and wetlands is the largest of the surrounding properties.
1.6 CATCHMENT SETTING
The Yambuk Lake estuary and wetlands are located within the Eumeralla River catchment, which covers approximately
910 square kilometres and lies within the Warrnambool Plain and Victorian Volcanic Plain bioregions.
Figure 4 Eumeralla Catchment, including the Shaw River
Rural landscapes dominate the catchment, which includes 68 ha (1.11%) of the 6120 ha Mt Eccles National Park. Dryland
pasture (72.98%) and blue gum plantations (12.61%) are the dominant forms of land-use (Ierodiaconou et al. 2003).
Remnant vegetation occupies only 7.4% of the catchment, while water and wetlands cover only 2.31% (Ierodiaconou et
al. 2003). Rural drainage schemes have operated in the catchment since settlement to drain wetlands and increase
productive grazing lands.
Average annual rainfall varies from 700 to 800mm near the coast to 600 to 700mm inland. Mean temperature ranges from
7 to 23˚C in coastal areas to 5 to 25˚C further inland. Macarthur and Yambuk are the main townships. Smaller townships
and districts include Ardonachie, Bessiebelle, Codrington, Dunmore, Gazette, Orford, Ripponhurst and St. Helens.
The Eumeralla and Shaw rivers are the major flowing waterways of the catchment. These are approximately 90 kilometres
and 52 kilometres long respectively, and flow south from the edge of the lava flows at Gerrigerrup Road, east of
Warrabrook, to Yambuk Lake on the coast. The Eumeralla River flows through Macarthur, Bessiebelle and Codrington
while the Shaw River flows through Dunmore and Orford. There are a several tributaries such as Back, Middle, Snakey,
Deep and Carmichael creeks. Other waterbodies include Lake Gorrie, Bartlett and Sheepwash swamps.
The environmental quality of the Eumeralla and Shaw rivers was formally assessed in 1999 through a state-wide Index of
Stream Condition (ISC) assessment. This assessment rated the environmental quality of the rivers as poor to marginal due
18
Yambuk Lake Estuary and Wetlands
to a generally narrow, patchy riparian zone with little opportunity for regeneration of vegetation, moderate levels of
bank erosion and low levels of in-stream habitat. It was noted however, that where riparian vegetation exists, it generally
has a natural structure consisting of more than 60% native species. The ISC assessment has been repeated in 2004, but
condition ratings were not available at the time of writing.
Native vegetation cover in the Eumeralla River catchment before European settlement is estimated to have been
approximately 90,912 ha. Today only 2,145 ha (2.4%) of this area is covered by native vegetation. This remnant
vegetation comprises 31 ecological vegetation classes (EVCs) (Glenelg Hopkins CMA 2003a). Fifteen of these are considered
highly important for conservation (Glenelg Hopkins CMA 2003a), although due to the small area of remnant vegetation
within the catchment all EVCs are important. A list of the ecological vegetation classes for the catchment area is presented
in Appendix C.
The condition of the Eumeralla catchment directly affects the estuary area. Development of a management plan for the
Eumeralla catchment, including the Shaw River, has been highlighted as an action in the Glenelg Hopkins CMA River
Health Strategy 2004. The development of such a plan has the potential to provide benefits to the Yambuk Lake estuary
and wetlands.
Until such time as a whole-of-catchment management plan is developed for the Eumeralla River catchment, the Yambuk
Lake estuary and wetlands Management Plan will include recommendations for actions and research that apply to the
wider Eumeralla and Shaw river catchments.
1.6.1 LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA
The Yambuk Lake estuary and wetlands are located within Moyne Shire, with the majority of the Eumeralla River
catchment also located within that shire.
Yambuk Lake Estuary and Wetlands Management Plan
19
20
Yambuk Lake Estuary and Wetlands
2. ASSETS
Yambuk Lake Estuary and Wetlands Management Plan
21
2.1 ENVIRONMENTAL
2.1.1 HABITAT
Yambuk Lake estuary and wetlands are listed in the Directory of Important Wetlands as an area of national significance.
This is due partly to its function as valuable habitat for animal taxa at vulnerable life-cycle stages and its role as a drought
refuge (Environment Australia 2002). The area is an excellent example of an estuary with extensive overbank swamps and
wetlands.
See Section 9.1.1 for recommended actions
2.1.2 FLORA
A total of 65 native flora species have been recorded on the Deen Maar property adjoining the western edge of Yambuk
Lake (Murphy 2000), which includes areas of estuary, wetland and terrestrial habitat (Appendix C). Twenty-eight species
of regional significance have been recorded (Murphy 2000). These species are rare or threatened within the local
bioregion and are marked in Appendix C. There are no known flora species within the management plan area considered
to be nationally threatened under the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Act 1999 or the State
Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988. (YFF1)
The Yambuk Lake vegetation community currently includes aquatic species such as:
l
seagrasses, including Ruppia maritima and Zostera capricorni
l
emergent macrophytes comprising reeds, such as the common reed (Phragmites australis), rushes such as Juncus sp.,
sedge varieties such as Gahnia sp. and Baumea sp., and more low-lying saltmarsh species such as Beaded Glassworts
(Sarcocornia quinqueflora) and Salt Couch (Sporobulos virginicus), which inhabit more saline soil conditions.
The wetlands contain few tree species, which is probably due to land clearing following European settlement. Scented
Paperbark (Melalueca squarrosa) and Woolly Tea Tree (Leptospermum lanigerum), both adapted to withstand periods of
inundation, represent the dominant remnant species. Woolly Tea Tree will not grow in permanently dry soils (Society for
Growing Australian Plants 1995). Other threats to this species include grazing or trampling by cattle, clearing, weed
invasion, and changes to hydrological regime (Barton and Sherwood 2002).
The estuary and wetlands support aquatic, riparian and terrestrial habitats including a variety of heathland and dune
vegetation systems. Major EVC's include Coastal Dune Heathland, Estuarine Wetland and Swamp Scrub (Kimber et al.
2001, Murphy 2000). A map showing the extent of vegetation prior to European settlement (pre 1750) is included in
Appendix C.
See Section 9.1.1 for recommended actions
2.1.3 FAUNA
Birds
Yambuk Lake estuary and wetlands provide a range of important bird habitats, including open and closed water, with
associated wetland vegetation such as reeds/rushes, herb fields and grasslands. During drought, the lake and wetlands
provide feeding and breeding grounds of state-wide importance, as large numbers of birds are known to migrate to the
site seeking refuge from dry conditions elsewhere in the state. The summer of 2002/03 was an example of this, with large
numbers of birds recorded at the site. DSE avifauna surveys revealed 37 species and approximately 8000 individuals
distributed across approximately 70% of the lake and wetlands.
More than 40 bird species have been officially recorded within the Yambuk Lake estuary and wetlands (Du Guesclin 2004
pers. comm.). The Orange-bellied Parrot (Neophema chrysogaster) is listed under the Commonwealth Environment
Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 as critically endangered, the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988 and
the IUCN Red List. Seven species are listed under the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988, 13 species under the ChinaAustralia Migratory Bird Agreement, (CAMBA) and 12 species are under the Japan-Australia Migratory Bird Agreement,
(JAMBA). A list of all bird species found within the area is presented in Appendix D.
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Yambuk Lake Estuary and Wetlands
The high value of Yambuk Lake estuary and wetlands to avifauna is further demonstrated by utilisation of the area as
breeding and feeding habitat for a number of different species. Great Egret (Ardea alba) is listed under the Flora and Fauna
Guarantee Act 1988 and is reported to breed in cypress near the area (Du Guesclin 2004 pers. comm.). White Ibis
(Threskiornis molucca), Straw-necked Ibis (Threskiornis spinicollis), Royal Spoonbill (Platalea regia) and Night Heron
(Nycticorax caldeonicus) are also known to nest in nearby cypress trees. Night Herons were believed to be nesting near
the Yambuk Caravan Park in June 2004 (Wally Parsons 2004 pers comm.). Juvenile Great Egrets have been seen feeding on
the lake with adults. Adults with breeding plumage have also been observed (Du Guesclin 2004 pers. comm.). This is
unusual in that Great Egrets have not been previously reported to breed in Western Victoria south of the Great Divide.
(Du Guesclin 2004 pers. comm.). There are also few records of Night Heron breeding sites; this species has been seen
feeding on the lake during mid-spring, its peak breeding season (Du Guesclin 2004 pers. comm.).
Orange-bellied Parrot
The Orange-bellied Parrot (Neophema chrysogaster) is listed under the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988, Environment
Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 as critically endangered and the IUCN Red List as critically endangered.
It is estimated there are less than 200 individuals, with approximately 40 to 50 breeding pairs remaining in the wild (Edgar
and Menkhorst 1993). Breeding occurs in Tasmania during summer, with birds migrating to the mainland during March
to 'over winter' at a number of coastal sites in South West Victoria, including Yambuk Lake. Orange-bellied Parrots feed
on plant species, including Bidgee-widgee (Acaena novae-zelandiae) and Beaded Glasswort (Sacrocornia quinqueflora),
both of which occur in the Yambuk wetlands.
The greatest threats to this species come from habitat loss and degradation and predation by foxes and feral cats. Wind
farms also present a threat to Orange-bellied Parrots. While the mortality of parrots due to individual wind farms is likely
to be very low, the cumulative effects of wind farms along the coastline could be significant. A recovery plan has been
developed for the species (Orange-bellied Parrot Recovery Team 1999) outlining in more detail the threats to the species
and actions being undertaken.
Mammals
The Southern Bent-wing Bat (Miniopterus schreibersii bassani) is listed under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity
Conservation Act 1999 as a 'conservation dependent' mammal and under the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988. It is
not known to what extent this species frequents the Yambuk Lake area. With 'maternity caves' near Naracoorte and
Warrnambool, it is likely that caves along the coast represent an important migratory route between the two colonies.
Small limestone caves occur in the area west of Hummocks Road bridge and potentially elsewhere in the management
plan area. These caves may be utilised by the Bent-wing Bat.
Other mammals in the estuary area include Antichinus, water rats and Black nosed Wallabies (Maguire and Sinnott, pers.
comm. 2002).
Fish
There are 24 fish species recorded within the Yambuk Lake estuary and wetlands (Appendix E). Two species, Dwarf Galaxias
(Galaxiella pusilla) and Yarra Pygmy Perch (Nannoperca obscura) are listed under the Commonwealth Environment
Protection and Biodiversity Act 1999 and the State Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1998.
Yambuk Lake estuary and wetlands provide valuable fish habitats with abundant food and refuge from predators (See
Figure 5). These features are of major importance for the successful reproduction of many fish species. The abundant
supply of detrital material created during wetland flooding triggers bacterial breakdown of vegetative organic matter
stimulating plants and phytoplankton, the food for small invertebrate animals. This in turn, forms the principal food
source for small fish. A current Deakin University study into fish usage of the estuarine wetlands confirms that
macroinvertebrate animals and juvenile fish species are more abundant in the shallow wetland than in the deeper areas
of the estuary or the river channels that have a muddy bottom (Bishop 2002 pers. comm.). When flooded, the adjacent
wetlands become far more productive in terms of biomass. These observations clearly demonstrate the vital role shallow
wetlands play in the ecological processes of the estuary system.
Yambuk Lake Estuary and Wetlands Management Plan
23
The Yambuk Lake estuary and wetlands are home to a variety of fish species, from marine opportunists that gain access
via river mouth openings, to estuarine and freshwater fish. Marine opportunists are usually juveniles of marine species
that utilise the benefits provided by estuarine habitats to complete a stage in their life-cycle (See Figure 6). Estuarine
species are those that complete their whole life-cycle within the estuary, while some freshwater species can be found in
the upper reaches (See Figure 7). Other species may use the estuary as a migratory route between freshwater and
seawater or vice versa. An example is the Short-finned-Eel (Anguilla australis) that migrates from freshwater to the sea
from summer to autumn to breed in the Coral Sea (Allen et al. 2002). Adults die after breeding, but juveniles return to
the estuary, where they migrate through the estuary to freshwater areas sometime between October and January (Allen
et al. 2002). Other species may enter or "visit" estuaries as adults for short periods, although they are not dependent on
estuaries for any specific stage of their lifecycle. Mulloway are an example of marine visitor species to the Yambuk Lake
estuary. (See Figure 8).
One of the most important functions estuaries provide is to act as a 'nursery' for juvenile fish. For an area to function
efficiently as a 'nursery', there needs to be a low number of predators and a large amount of food. Estuaries and their
associated wetlands fulfil these requirements due to their high productivity and relatively shallow nature. This 'nursery'
function is particularly useful to marine opportunist species that can enter the estuary as juveniles, or larvae, when the
river mouth is open (See Figure 9). The level of predation in an estuary is much lower than in the marine environment,
meaning juveniles have a greater survival rate in the estuarine habitat. Once grown to a relatively large size, these fish
return to the marine environment where their larger size reduces the risk of predation. Examples of marine opportunists
include Sea Mullet (Mugil cephalus), Yellow-eye Mullet (Aldrichetta forsteri) and East Australian Salmon (Arripis trutta).
The species of fish recruited into the estuarine system will depend on the season the mouth is open, and the period of
time it remains open. Figure 6 shows the lifecycle pattern for a typical marine opportunist.
Figure 5. Use of flooded/wetland margins of an estuary by juvenile fish and waterbirds
Figure 6. Life-cycle of marine opportunists e.g. mullet (adapted from the Swan River Trust, 1999)
24
Yambuk Lake Estuary and Wetlands
Figure 7. Life-cycle of an estuarine species e.g Black Bream (adapted from Swan River Trust, 1999)
Figure 8. Marine visitors (adapted from Swan River Trust, 1999)
Figure 9. Life cycle of Short-finned Eels
Dwarf Galaxias
Due to its limited distribution and continuing decline, the Dwarf Galaxias (Galaxiella pusilla) is listed under the
Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988 and the IUCN Red List. The Australian Society for Fish Biology also lists the
species as potentially threatened (McDowall 1996).
It is mainly found in still and gently flowing waters (McDowall 1996), such as wetlands and billabongs, and is usually
associated with submerged and emergent vegetation (Humphries 1986). This is similar to the habitat requirements of the
Southern Pigmy Perch (Nannoperca australis).
Yambuk Lake Estuary and Wetlands Management Plan
25
Spawning occurs in spring, with fish likely to die after spawning as only one age class has ever been observed at any time
(Humphries 1986).
The greatest threats to this species are the introduction of exotic fish species, such as mosquito fish, and degradation of
wetlands.
Yarra Pygmy Perch
Like the Dwarf Galaxias, Yarra Pygmy Perch (Nannoperca obscura) is also listed under the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act
1988 and the IUCN Red List due to its limited distribution and continued decline. The Australian Society for Fish Biology
also lists this species as potentially threatened due to habitat alteration (McDowall 1996).
As with the Southern Pygmy Perch, the Yarra Pygmy Perch prefers still and slow flowing waters with abundant cover, and
is sometimes found in shoals with the Southern Pygmy Perch. Breeding occurs in late winter and early spring (Allen et al.
2002).
The Yarra Pygmy Perch found in Yambuk Lake estuary and wetlands are unusual in that it is difficult to distinguish them
from the Southern Pygmy Perch. The usual technique for determining the difference between the two species is the shape
of the pre-orbital bone, which exists just below the eye. This technique is not applicable to the species in Yambuk Lake,
one of only two known places in Australia where this is the case (Llewellyn 1974). It has been suggested that this could
be due to inter-breeding between the two species (Llewellyn 1974), although the degree to which this is happening and
methods for distinguishing between the two species require further research.
See Section 9.1.1 for recommended actions
Macroinvertebrates
About 70 species of aquatic macroinvertebrate are known to occur in the lake and wetlands (Leporati 2001, Barrot 2002).
Barrot (2002) conducted a preliminary examination of the distribution of these taxa throughout the Yambuk Lake estuary
and wetlands and found that macroinvertebrate species richness was greatest in the shallow littoral areas compared to
open water bodies.
Reptiles and Amphibians
Knowledge of the reptilian and amphibian fauna of the area is very limited. Species recorded or observed include the Tiger
Snake (Notechis scutatus), Copperhead Snake (Austrelaps superbus), Red-bellied Black Snake (Pseudechis porphyryiacus),
Common Froglet (Crinia signifera) and Striped Marsh Frog (Limnodynastes peronii) (Kimber et al. 2001, Department of
Natural Resources and Environment 2003, and Bishop 2002 personal observation).
See Section 9.1.1 for recommended actions
2.1.4 NATURAL PROCESSES
Flooding
Flooding is an important component of the hydrological and ecological processes operating in the estuary and wetlands.
It is especially important in maintaining the character and extent of riparian and fringing wetland vegetation
communities, and as discussed above, is vital for maintaining the diversity and abundance of aquatic fauna.
Flooding is an extremely important and natural process for periodically closed and open estuaries and fringing wetlands.
Flooding of the Eumeralla River fills the wetlands and the inflow of freshwater is vital for the biological processes
underpinning the system's food chain. Therefore, a degree of flooding is necessary to sustain these nationally important
areas. Flooding may also be necessary to ensure that when a river mouth opening occurs, there is sufficient water to
flush anoxic water from the system and remove all traces of stratification. This allows the process of the salt wedge
formation and stratification to begin again. (Barton and Sherwood 2002).
In the Hopkins River estuary, flushing of the salt wedge out of the system followed by salt wedge re-formation is known
to be an essential sequence of events for spawning of recreationally important fish species, such as Black Bream. The
dynamics of this process in the Yambuk estuary and the flows required for effective flushing are unknown and represent
26
Yambuk Lake Estuary and Wetlands
a major knowledge gap. (See Section 9.1).
During an average rainfall season, the flooding regime of the estuary and wetlands generally follows the sequence below
l
Autumn - low flows - closed entrance - low but rising lake water levels.
l
Winter - rainfall - increasing flows - entrance initially closed - lake water levels rising until breakout then falling.
l
Spring - rainfall - increasing - lake water levels variable, depending on flood flows-mouth generally opened.
l
Summer - low flows - entrance closing or closed - low lake water levels.
2.2 SOCIAL
2.2.1 RECREATION
Yambuk Lake estuary is an important recreational and tourism destination for local, interstate and international visitors
(see Section 2.4.2 for figures on visitor numbers). It is widely recognised that the lake, estuary and wetlands are a
significant social asset for the community. Protecting and enhancing this asset is critical to sustaining community
wellbeing.
There are a number of bed and breakfast establishments in the area, including the Yambuk Backpackers. Passive
recreational uses include photography, bird watching, beach walking and sight-seeing. Active recreational uses include
fishing, swimming, boating and duck hunting. Car parking facilities are provided adjacent to the lake and within short
walking distance to the beach. A boat ramp and jetty for small craft is located at the car park. A picnic area has been
developed and basic camping facilities are located on Crown land adjoining the lake. Estuary fish predominate in the lake
and are also taken in the lower sections of the Eumeralla and Shaw rivers. Fishing is popular from the bank, boats on the
lake and from the beach. The most common species of fish caught are Bream, Mullet, Salmon, Eels, Sole and Flounder.
Surf fishing from the beach commonly yields Salmon, Whiting and Gummy Shark but a wide range of species can be
caught. Recreational fishing is discussed in more detail in Section 2.4.3.
2.3 CULTURAL
2.3.1 ABORIGINAL
Aboriginal people of this area are the descendants of the Dhauwurd wurrung nation, more commonly known as
Gundidjmara (people of this place). Their language is Peek whurrung and the local Yambuk clan are the Yambeet gundidj
(Clark 1990). The Yambuk wetlands and coastal environs were rich in animals and plants that supported a complex social
structure. The wetlands were of particular significance, particularly during dry inland seasonal conditions when they
provided a refuge for waterfowl, which were a most important resource for the Yambeet gundidj.
The Gundidjmara, as with all Aboriginal people, do not separate or categorise environmental values. The land, rivers and
sea are all part of their place and the people are a part of the same place. Deen Maar Island (Lady Julia Percy Island) is
an important spirit place; Gundidjmara believe it is the place of departure for the spirits of the dead and all burials on
the coast were placed with their heads facing Deen Maar Island so their spirits could travel to the island. It is also believed
to be the place where Bunjil the Creator Spirit and his brother Pallian, after creating all of the land and sea and all living
things, departed earth in sheets of flame. There is archaeological evidence the Gundidjmara regularly visited Deen Maar
Island. Numerous archaeological sites within the Yambuk area are evidence of thousands of years of occupation by the
Yambeet gundidj.
While many cultural sites are registered with Aboriginal Affairs Victoria, ongoing field studies are recording more. Many
coastal shell middens have been recorded since the mid-1970s when the Summer School of Archaeology was based at
Yambuk. A 2001 archaeological survey by Debney and Cekalovic recorded 36 sites within the Yambuk area, the majority
of which are shell middens. The most recent archaeological surveys on the coastal frontages in March 2004, recorded
complex sites including a shell midden complete with bone spoon-like implements and grooves and bowls ground into the
coastal limestone in particular locations and patterns (Builth 2004).
Yambuk Lake Estuary and Wetlands Management Plan
27
Framlingham Aboriginal Trust is the local Aboriginal community vested under State and Commonwealth legislation with
responsibility for managing and protecting Aboriginal cultural materials, sites and places at Yambuk and as far west as
Codrington. In the early 1990s, the Trust purchased a 453 ha section of the property formerly known as Naringathurn
and now called Deen Maar. Deen Maar has frontage to most of the southern part of Yambuk Lake and part of the
Eumeralla River. In 1993, Deen Maar was declared an Indigenous Protected Area (IPA) by Environment Australia and is
managed in accordance with international guidelines designed to protect and enhance cultural and environmental
values.
Deen Maar contains numerous archaeological and historic places. In the 1840s, during what was known as the Eumeralla
war, many people hid on Deen Maar where violent clashes occurred. The remains of Aboriginal people killed in these
clashes are buried there. It was noted that by 1844 more than 50% of the Aboriginal community who lived here had died
as a result of violence (Critchett 1990 cited in Murphy 2000).
See Section 9.3 for recommended actions
2.3.2 NON-ABORIGINAL
Europeans first sighted the Yambuk area in 1800 when Lt James Grant sailed by Lady Julia Percy Island (Murphy 2000). He
described the area around Yambuk as "woody forest", a description that is supported by the journals of one of the early
residents who described Yambuk as "exceedingly thickly timbered" (Yambuk Book Committee 1994).
The first squatting licence for the area was issued in 1839, with the first squatters arriving in 1840 (Debney and Cekalovic
2001). Many of the squatters in the 1840s were English, Scottish and Irish emigrants. Yambuk township was surveyed in
1851 and by 1879 had a population of 700 (Yambuk Book Club 1994).
There are four historical sites listed on the Victorian Heritage Inventory and one site just outside the management plan
area listed on the Victorian Heritage Register. Sites within the area include the Hummocks Road Bridge, which was built
in the 1850s, Coach Road that linked Port Fairy and Portland and was finalised in 1842, structural remains of an old
homestead, a Cobb and Co. changing station and shearers' huts.
See Section 9.3 for recommended actions
2.4 ECONOMIC
2.4.1 AGRICULTURE
Agriculture underpins the Yambuk community's economic and social environment. In 2002, agriculture in Victoria had a
gross value of $9.3 billion (Australian Bureau of Statistics 2004). In the Glenelg Hopkins region, agriculture for the period
of 1999 to 2000 had a total turnover of $650 million and employed around 6,800 people (Green Triangle Regional
Plantation Committee 2002 cited in Glenelg Hopkins CMA Regional Catchment Strategy 2003-2007). The economic value
of agriculture within the area covered by this management plan is unknown and needs to be quantified.
Since European settlement in the 1840s, land adjoining the wetlands has been used for a variety of agricultural activities,
including grazing, dairying, cropping and production of hay. The estuary and wetlands adjoin a number of private
property landholdings, which concentrate on dairy, beef or sheep production, or a combination of these primary
production enterprises.
See Section 9.4.1 for recommended actions
2.4.2 TOURISM
Tourism can also provide a direct economic benefit to Yambuk and the surrounding area, especially through recreational
pursuits such as fishing. At present, there is no information available for the Yambuk Lake estuary and wetlands on the
economic benefits of either tourism or recreation.
The Yambuk Caravan Park contains powered and non-powered sites and an amenities block containing showers and
toilets. Further toward the lake entrance, there is a car park, public toilets, jetty, boat ramp, picnic/BBQ shelter and a
stairway and lookout platform that provides extensive views towards the lake entrance, up the estuary and out to sea
28
Yambuk Lake Estuary and Wetlands
towards Lady Julia Percy Island. Access to the beach is provided by a walking track from the car park.
In 2002, the Yambuk Caravan Park accommodated 4,000 campers. Park Manager Wally Parsons has stated that for each
person who camps at the park, another four to five people visit for the day to fish or engage in other recreational
activities (Minutes, Yambuk Lake Information Session June 18th 2003) resulting in approximately 24,000 visitors annually.
For 2002, less than half the visitors were from within 100 km of Yambuk (42%), 17% from the rest of Victoria, 18% from
Melbourne, 16% from interstate and 7% international visitors (Minutes, Yambuk Lake Information Session June 18th 2003).
For the 2003/2004 financial year, total visitor numbers increased to about 30,000. During this time the park catered for
6,018 campers (Wally Parsons, pers.comm. 2004). Thirty-three per cent of visitors were from within 100 km, 11% from the
Melbourne area, 35% from other areas in Victoria, 15% from interstate and 6% from overseas (Wally Parsons, pers.comm.
2004). This increase in visitor figures is supported by the revenue figures for the caravan park (Moyne Gazette 2004).
2.4.3 RECREATIONAL FISHING
Recreational fishing can be a significant economic asset to local communities. In 2000, a study of the Killarney Bay area,
between Port Fairy and Warrnambool, found that per kilogram of fish caught, anglers were spending between $5 and
$200 (Bishop 2000). The amount spent depended on the species being targeted. The average angler was found to spend
almost $40 per fishing trip. Total angler expenditure over the five-month period of the study was found to be more than
$150,000 (Bishop 2000). State-wide, recreational fishing and its associated industries generates an annual income of more
than $1 billion (Unkles 1997). There is no specific information on the economic value of recreational fishing at Yambuk
Lake.
A recent nationwide recreational fishing survey found Victorian fishers spent $396 million in the 12 months prior to May
2001. This equates to an average of $721 per fisher for that year (Henry and Lyle 2003) (available from
http://www.affa.gov.au).
Nationally, estuaries were the second most popular place to fish, with 35% of fishing events conducted in estuary areas
compared to 41% of fishing events staged in coastal areas (Henry and Lyle 2003). In Victoria, the majority of fishing effort
was shore-based, with only 39% of from boats (Henry and Lyle 2003).
See Section 9.4.3. for recommended actions
2.4.4 COMMERCIAL FISHING
The waterway downstream from the Princes Highway bridge, including Yambuk Lake, is an allocated commercial eel
fishery with only one licence allocated to fish those waters. State-wide Short-finned Eel (Anguilla australis) makes up 95%
of the eel fishing catch. The whole fishery has an annual average production of around 280 tonnes, with a value of
between 1.4 and 4.7 million (DNRE 2002b). The eel fishing industry also directly employs around 30 full-time and up to 70
part-time people across the state (DNRE 2002b).
The fishery is input managed through restrictions on the types and dimensions of the fishing gear, and entry is limited
through control of licences. There is no limit on the amount of eels that can be caught for each licence, although there
is a minimum legal length of 30 cm.
See Section 9.4.3 for recommended actions
Yambuk Lake Estuary and Wetlands Management Plan
29
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Yambuk Lake Estuary and Wetlands
3. THREATS AND THREATENING
PROCESSES
Yambuk Lake Estuary and Wetlands Management Plan
31
3.1 ENVIRONMENTAL
3.1.1 PEST PLANTS
Forty-four species of introduced flora have been identified within the Deen Maar area (Murphy 2000). The total number
of introduced species within the area covered by this plan is more than 50 (see Appendix C - Introduced Vegetation).
Control of pest plants is governed by the Catchment and Land Protection Act 1994, which requires, all private and public
land managers to control and prevent the spread of pest plants.
Ragwort (Senecio jacobaea), a state priority weed, has been found in small numbers in the area (Matthews 2004 pers.
comm.) and vigilance is required to ensure the species does not become established. Regional priority weeds within the
area are Cape Tulip, Paterson's Curse and Gorse (Glenelg Hopkins CMA 2000a, Matthews 2004 pers. comm.).
Regionally controlled weeds are those that are wide spread and considered important in a particular region. Examples of
these within the Yambuk Lake estuary and wetlands include African Boxthorn (Lycium ferocissium), Apple of Sodom
(Solanum sodomaeum), Teasel (Dipsacus fullonum), Thistles (including Silybum marianum, Cirsium vulgare and Carduus
tenuiflorus), Spiny Rush (Juncus acutus) and Sweet Briar (Rosa rubiginosa). There is no funding assistance for regionallycontrolled weeds, but there is an expectation of landholders to control these species. Under Section 20 of the Catchment
and Land Protection Act 1994, land owners and managers are required to take all reasonable steps to prevent the growth
and spread of regionally-controlled weeds. Apple of Sodom, Teasel and Thistles are pasture competitors, while Spiny Rush
occurs in saline sites and therefore, a whole-site approach is required for the successful management of this species.
Boxthorn, while a regionally-controlled species, is important in the successful management of rabbits because, like Gorse
it provides ideal harbour.
Environmental weeds may also pose a problem to the Yambuk Lake area. This includes native plant species that occur
outside of their natural distribution. An example is the Coast Wattle (Acacia sophorae).
Cape Tulip
Cape Tulip (Moraea miniata) is a member of the iris family introduced into Australia from South Africa. This weed has
attractive flowers and gained a foothold in Victoria by escaping from private gardens. It is extremely difficult to control
and has serious environmental and economic effects. Cape Tulip produces a toxin that affects grasses, including native
species, (Matthews 2004 pers. comm.) and will compete in the same way with pasture plants. Additionally, all parts of
the plant, either green or dried, are toxic to livestock. Cape Tulip is extremely difficult to control when established in
pasture areas; the only effective chemical for eradication is detrimental to clover species, causing further economic
impacts. A long-term strategy for eradication is necessary for this plant as Cape Tulip reproduces from cormels that can
lie dormant in the soil for a number of years. Transport mechanisms of the species include vehicles, machinery, livestock
feed and, most importantly within this area, waterways.
Paterson's Curse
Paterson's Curse (Echium plantagineum) is another regional priority weed introduced into Australia from Europe in the
19th century. It covers ground and then dies off in mid-summer, leaving ground bare and prone to wind and water
erosion. The plant only germinates from seed, with germination possible at any time of the year. Paterson's Curse is also
toxic to livestock if eaten in large amounts. Seeds are not dispersed by wind, but may be carried by livestock and birds,
along with vehicles, machinery and water.
Gorse
The other regional priority weed within the area is Gorse (Ulex europaeus). Originally introduced into Australia from
Europe or North Africa, it forms large dense thickets if not controlled. These thickets can reduce grazing areas and the
sharp thorns can prove dangerous to livestock. While the thickets can act as a harbour for rabbits, they may also provide
habitat for native species such as the Orange-bellied Parrot (Matthews 2004 pers. comm.). Such uses by native fauna need
to be identified before thicket removal is undertaken, to allow appropriate native vegetation to be sequentially
substituted.
32
Yambuk Lake Estuary and Wetlands
Sea Spurge
Sea Spurge (Euphorbia paralias) was introduced into Australia from the Mediterranean,
possibly through ballast water. The plant is a small leafy shrub that displaces native
species in dune systems. It can also alter the morphology of dunes. It has the potential
to negatively effect species such as Hooded Plover that prefer open sand areas for
nesting. Stems and leaves of Sea Spurge contain a toxic substance that is released when
the plant is damaged or broken. This can cause skin irritations and potentially eye
damage.
Potentially threatening pest plants
Divided Sedge
Potential threats to the Yambuk area include Divided Sedge (Carex divisa), a species introduced to Australia from Europe.
It has the potential to smother salt marsh areas and is becoming established in the nearby Surry River, where it is
competing with native riparian vegetation. It has not yet been recorded in the Yambuk area, but is extremely difficult to
remove once established. Stock will not eat it, making grazing an ineffective control method. Transportation methods
are unknown, but could include livestock, machinery, hay, water and wind. Extreme vigilance and ongoing monitoring
needs to be undertaken to prevent the spread, and minimise the risk of infestation.
Spartina
Another potential threat is Spartina, otherwise known as rice or cord grass. The introduction and spread of this species
is listed as a threatening process (SAC 1996) and threatens native vegetation in estuarine wetlands through the trapping
of sediments and the alteration of habitat structure and characteristics. This in turn effects native fauna, especially
waterbirds, aquatic invertebrates and fish. The plant is mainly spread by water in a vegetative form when a part of the
plant or node is broken off and lodges in tidal muds or sands (Gosden 2004 pers. comm.). It can also be spread by water
in a seed form although this is not as common as only some plants produce fertile seeds (Gosden 2004 pers.com.).
Coast Wattle
Coast Wattle (Acacia sophorae) is a native plant that has invaded several coastal areas around Portland and South West
Victoria. In areas where the plant has been established for long periods, there have been noticeable changes in the
floristic community while in some areas the elimination of all indigenous species has been noted (McMahon et al. 1996).
Coast Wattle is present within the Yambuk Lake area on the eastern and western sides of the estuary, near the river
mouth. Managers of the Yambuk Caravan Park have observed a steady increase in Coast Wattle over a number of years.
The plant naturally occurs within the Yambuk area and, at this stage, it is unknown if it is actually a pest species. Birds,
rabbits, and vehicles transport seeds. Fire has been successfully used as a control strategy in an area near Portland
(McMahon et al. 1996) and may provide an appropriate means of control at Yambuk. But this action would need to
consider possible impacts on endangered species, such as the Hooded Plover. Burning of the area last occurred in the late
1980s or early 1990s when a fire escaped from the old Yambuk tip site.
See Section 9.1.2. for recommended actions
3.1.2 PEST ANIMALS
A survey conducted by Kimber et al. (2001) found evidence of foxes, feral cats, and rabbits.
Rabbits
Rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) are the most serious vertebrate pests in Victoria, with an estimated annual economic
impact in the Glenelg Hopkins region alone of about $38 million (Glenelg Hopkins CMA 2000b). This is due to their impact
on agricultural production through direct competition with livestock for grasses.
Yambuk Lake Estuary and Wetlands Management Plan
33
Rabbits also contribute significantly to erosion due to their burrowing and overgrazing which, in turn, can contribute to
high sediment loads within the estuary and lead to detrimental habitat change.
Rabbits are also detrimental to the native flora and fauna of the Yambuk region, being identified under the Flora and
Fauna Guarantee Act 1988 as a threat to the survival and range of a number of species. In addition, they are considered
a major contributor to the declining quality of vegetation surrounding wetlands. Reduction in biomass and biodiversity
of native vegetation through grazing by rabbits is listed under the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988 as a threatening
process.
See Section 9.1.2 for recommended actions
Foxes
Foxes (Vulpes vulpes) are another serious threat in the Yambuk area, both economically and environmentally.
Economically, they are a threat to livestock predating lambs, and to a lesser extent, calves. Foxes may be responsible for
the death of 30% of all newborn lambs (Friend et al. 2001). Environmentally, they are a threat to waterbirds and other
native species. Species such as the Hooded Plover (Thinorinis rubricollis), listed under the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act
1988 and considered threatened in Victoria, are at great risk from foxes as they nest on the ground. Foxes also prey on
native mammals, although the extent to which this is happening in the Yambuk Lake area is unknown. Predation of native
wildlife by foxes is listed under the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988 and Schedule 3 of the Commonwealth
Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 as a threatening process.
See Section 9.1.2 for recommended actions
Cats
Feral cats (Felis catus) are a threat to many species, especially ground-dwelling birds and small native mammals. Like the
fox, their predation of native wildlife is listed as a threatening process under the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988.
Their distribution and impact on the Yambuk Lake estuary and wetlands is relatively unknown.
Potentially threatening pest animals
European Carp
According to the Draft Wetland Management Plan (Glenelg Hopkins CMA 2003b), the Eumeralla system has a low risk of
carp infestation. The introduction of this species into the Yambuk Lake estuary and wetlands would have a devastating
effect and every action needs to be taken to minimise this risk. Stocking of other non-native species, such as Brown Trout,
also represents a threat to native fish species, such as the Dwarf Galaxias and Yarra Pygmy Perch.
Yellow-fin Goby
The introduction of exotic organisms into Victorian marine waters is listed as a potentially threatening process under
Schedule 3 of the Flora and Fauna Act 1988 (SAC 1992). Although this listing is focussed on introduction into marine
waters, when estuaries are tidal there is the potential for these species to be recruited into the estuarine environment.
One of the species listed in the final recommendation for this process is the Yellow-fin Goby (Acanthogobius flavimanus).
This species has been shown to prey on native fish, including Tupong and Blue-spot Goby (SAC 1992), both of which are
present in the Yambuk Lake estuary and wetlands. Possible methods for introduction of this species into the marine
environment surrounding the estuary and wetlands is through discharge of ballast water. Given the proximity of this
estuary to Victoria's largest deepwater port at Portland, this scenario is possible and requires vigilant management of
ballast water discharges by the port authority.
See Section 9.1.2 for recommended actions
3.1.3 NATURAL PROCESSES
Any change to the natural process of Yambuk Lake estuary and wetlands has the ability to threaten its high natural values
and have detrimental impacts on the native flora and fauna. Under Schedule 3 of the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act
34
Yambuk Lake Estuary and Wetlands
1988 wetland loss and degradation as a result of change in water regime, dredging, draining, filling and grazing is listed
as a threatening process (SAC 2003). This section discusses those processes relevant to the Yambuk Lake estuary and
wetlands.
Flooding and altered flood regime
Saltmarshes require periodic inundation to balance their metabolism with high soil salinity. Prolonged inundation can be
detrimental, however. Prolonged inundation of land may have impacts on the survival of not only some of the native
plant species in the flood zone area, but the agricultural species. This can result in an economic loss to surrounding
farming enterprises. The tolerance level of these species to inundation is unknown for the Yambuk area. See Section 9.4.2
for recommended actions
The flood regime of the Yambuk Lake estuary and wetlands is controlled by a complex combination of catchment
hydrology and the status of the river mouth. The later is controlled by a complex relationship between sand and wave
action at the river mouth. The summer low flow period represents the most difficult time for managing the water level
and balancing values of the estuary and surrounding agricultural land. Alleviating flooding is currently achieved by
intermittent artificial river mouth opening and is discussed in more detail on page 32.
The impacts of altered flood regime have not been studied or quantified for this area. Changes have the potential to cause
plant community migration and/or loss of species. It is not known to what extent this is occurring. Additional important
considerations include changes in ecology, particularly the establishment of vegetation communities. Plant species
requiring inundation may be reduced in extent or lost if the flood level is maintained at a lower point in the landscape
than where the plants are established. Similarly, plants that can only tolerate short periods of inundation will not survive
long periods of submergence. Further work is required on remnant native plant communities, individual species and EVCs
to identify the impact of current inundation regimes before making any changes to the flood regime.
Flooding for long periods over introduced pasture species and damaged native vegetation during dry seasons can result
in plant decay that further depletes oxygen levels and adds toxic compounds to the estuary waters. As water drains into
the estuary channel following mouth openings, surface waters may be replaced by anoxic water from the wetlands
(Sherwood, 2002). This process can be exacerbated when there is insufficient inflow of oxygenated fresh water into the
system. Anoxia occurs when there are low levels of oxygen in the water. Anoxia kills fish and suffocates aquatic fauna.
The extent and duration of flooding is a major issue within the Yambuk area. (See Figure 10). A PhD research project (due
for completion in early 2005) has examined the utilisation of the flooded perimeter by aquatic organisms (Bishop 2004
pers. comm.). Part of the study involves determining how the flooded area changes with time and has examined the
extent of flooding occurring at different water levels. It is hoped the research results may be used to map inundation of
land surrounding the estuary at different water levels in the future. More work is needed to incorporate this data, when
available, with property data to quantify the level of flooding on agricultural lands.
Figure 10 The inundated area surrounding Yambuk Lake estuary and wetlands
Yambuk Lake Estuary and Wetlands Management Plan
35
Altered hydrology
Native vegetation clearance and rural drainage schemes have altered the catchment hydrology over a long period of time.
The impacts of altered catchment hydrology has neither been studied nor quantified and, as a result, is not well
understood.
Water from several rural drainage schemes flows into the Eumeralla and Shaw rivers and then into the Yambuk Lake
estuary and wetlands. A total of 7099 ha within the Eumeralla and Shaw river catchments is covered by these schemes
(Glenelg Hopkins CMA 2002b). Since settlement, creating and using extensive drainage networks that artificially drain
floodplain areas improved agriculture in the catchment. Framlingham Aboriginal Trust has actively attempted to restore
natural flooding and drainage regimes on Deen Maar by installing baffles on old drainage lines so that floodwater can be
retained to enhance biological diversity within the wetland systems on the IPA (Framlingham Aboriginal Trust (2003), pers.
comm.).
Rural drainage schemes were managed by trusts and committees administered under local government structures until
the early 1990s when local government and catchment management in Victoria underwent a major re-structure.
Responsibilities for on-going management have not been fully resolved at the time of writing. Glenelg Hopkins CMA is
working through this issue with the community.
As previously mentioned, the extent to which rural drainage alters the natural flow regime of the Eumeralla and Shaw
rivers and the resultant impact on Yambuk Lake is unknown. Potentially, there are positive and negative impacts from
rural drainage schemes to be considered in managing the lake and associated wetlands. Drainage works and wetland
modifications - not only within the Yambuk Lake estuary and wetlands but the entire catchment area - should not
interfere with water flow between the wetlands and the estuary and minimise the effects on natural water regimes.
Modification of the natural water regime has implications for the health and natural functioning of the wetland
ecosystems, the frequency of artificial river mouth openings and financial impacts through inundation of private
agricultural land adjoining the lake.
The Glenelg Hopkins CMA has commissioned a Scoping Study for Best Management Options for Rural Drainage in the
Eumeralla (and Nullawarre) Drainage Area. Options for improved control of water flow and retention of drainage waters
in parts of the drainage system at certain times of the year will be examined in this study.
A review of the impacts of drainage on the flooding regime of the wetlands and estuary is required to better understand
the relationship between this water and the frequency, duration and extent of flooding of the wetlands surrounding the
lake.
Any alteration to the hydrological regime has the potential to significantly influence the aquatic ecology of the estuary.
For example, there are possible serious implications on the successful spawning of Black Bream, as this species relies on
the hydrological cycle to produce spawning cues (Sherwood and Backhouse 1982; Newton 1996). (See section 2.1.4).
Limited flushing of the system will lead to a build up of anoxic waters and potentially lead to high concentrations of
ammonia and sulphide, which may limit spawning success (Sherwood et al. 1997 cited in Barton 2003).
Estuary entrance and artificial river mouth opening (ARMO)
Opening of the estuary entrance can be natural or artificial. Natural openings are produced by nature while artificial
openings are man-made. Artificially opening the Eumeralla River mouth is undertaken to alleviate flooding of private land
adjoining the lake. The effects on the estuary can include reduced scour leading to more rapid closure of the river mouth,
disruption to the natural patterns of variation in water quality and biotic distribution and abundance, disruption of
aquatic faunal migration and reproductive cycles and reduced frequency of inundation of adjacent wetlands.
A reduction in scour will result in a decrease in the sediment moved from the estuary mouth, consequently leading to a
more rapid closure. Regular and repeated artificial river mouth openings may degrade wetlands and indigenous riparian
vegetation, reduce fisheries production over the long term and contribute to a decline in regional biodiversity.
This management plan does not seek to address the issue of the current artificial river mouth opening protocols; these
will be addressed as part of the Estuary Entrance Management Decision Support Framework project funded by the Natural
Heritage Trust, outlined in Section 8. (See Section 9.1.6). It is intended that new river mouth opening protocols, once
developed, will form part of this management plan. Development of such protocols addresses action 1.1.4 from the
Victorian Coastal Strategy that states:
36
Yambuk Lake Estuary and Wetlands
"Best practice guidelines for the management of estuarine mouth openings will be developed, incorporating
environmental, social and economic issues."
The current mouth opening protocols and their history are discussed below.
Before 1995, artificial river mouth openings were un-regulated. During 1995, growing public concern regarding flooding
of private land, and the lack of knowledge regarding the environmental impacts of un-regulated openings prompted
Southern Water (now Southern Rural Water) to initiate regulation of openings through Works on Waterways Permits,
issued under the Water Act 1989. This followed an investigation of relevant legislation, which found laws relating to
works on waterways apply equally to artificial opening of river mouths and, as such, these works should be regulated.
Licensing of ARMOs at Yambuk Lake was undertaken in 1995 through a consultation process convened by Moyne Shire
and involving the Yambuk Lake Advisory Committee. The committee comprised representatives from the local community
including the farming community, the angling club and Gunditjmara and the former Department of Conservation and
Natural Resources (DCNR), now the Department of Sustainability and Environment and the Department of Primary
Industries.
A protocol for ARMOs at Yambuk Lake was developed and agreed upon, and included the following criteria:
l
a TRIGGER LEVEL - the height of water in the lake at which it was deemed appropriate to consider ARMOs. The
agreed height was 26 cm above the level of the decking on the jetty at the lake carpark. A 0m to 1 m gauge board
was subsequently installed on June 23, 1995, by Southern Water on the jetty at the boat ramp. The gauge board was
set so that a height of 0.6m on the gauge equated to 26 cm above the level of the jetty decking. Thus, 0.6 m was
adopted as the trigger level. This gauge was replaced on May 28, 2004, with new gauges levelled to Australian Height
Datum (AHD). The equivalent to 0.6 m on the old gauge is 1.45 metres AHD. Therefore, 1.45 m AHD is the current
trigger level.
l
a LOCATION and orientation for ARMO works to be undertaken was agreed upon by the advisory group
l
a set of LICENCE CONDITIONS were developed by Southern Water in consultation with the DCNR and agreed upon by
the advisory group (see below for more detail).
The current situation with licenses and consents for artificial river mouth opening is controlled under the following
legislation:
l
l
Section 77 of the Water Act 1989, administered by the Glenelg Hopkins CMA through licences;
Section 37 of the Coastal Management Act 1995 administered by the Department of Sustainability and Environment
through consents, with Parks Victoria also having the responsibility for consents delegated by the Minister.
Licences under the Water Act 1989 expire one year from the date of issue. Licences issued under the Water Act 1989 for
artificial river mouth opening carry conditions that must be met before every artificial opening. The conditions are based
on the criteria below, which have been established to minimise the effects of artificial opening on biodiversity and
estuarine processes:
l
water level in the estuary;
l
whether substantial rainfall has occurred in the upper catchment;
l
the presence of significant in stream flows moving towards the river mouth;
l
offshore winds;
l
tidal conditions;
l
social and recreational activity on the waterway;
l
effects on wildlife, flora, fisheries values and adjacent wetlands;
l
water quality;
l
long term effects;
l
cultural heritage of the area
Yambuk Lake Estuary and Wetlands Management Plan
37
The current licence for artificial river mouth openings of the Eumeralla River and it's associated conditions are attached
in Appendix F. Parks Victoria holds this licence and opening is carried out using an excavator to cut a channel through
the sandbar.
The potential impacts - both positive and negative - and the implications of artificial river mouth openings on the ecology
and environmental values of the estuary are poorly understood. It is known that the hydrological cycle in other estuaries
represents an important spawning cue for many fish species, including the Black Bream, which is highly valued as a
recreational species.
It is important from an environmental perspective to understand the effects of artificial river mouth openings on the
hydrological cycle within the estuary and how this affects the ecology of the area. An understanding of the
environmental requirements of the species present within the estuary is required. This information is vital to ensure
artificial river mouth openings are managed to maximise the estuary's environmental values for the enjoyment of future
generations. See Section 9.1.1.
Some of the key areas to investigate include:
l
What are the requirements of diadromous fish in terms of time of year and required duration of an open river mouth?
(Diadromous fish utilise estuary and ocean at some stage of their life-cycle). Current research being undertaken at
Melbourne University may shed some light on this question.
A number of species require consideration including but not limited to:
l
Black Bream (Acanthopagrus butcheri)
l
Mullet (Mugil cephalus and Aldrichetta forsteri)
l
Australian Salmon (Arripis trutta)
l
Galaxids (Galaxias spp.)
l
Short-finned Eels (Anguilla australis)
l
What are the requirements of waterbirds in terms of timing and duration of inundation?
l
What are the requirements of fringing indigenous flora species in terms of periodic inundation?
A number of species require consideration including, but not limited to:
l
Beaded Glasswort (Sarcocornia quinqueflora)
l
Woolly Tea Tree (Leptospermum lanigerum)
While this knowledge is essential to assist managing the asset, building this knowledge will take time. Meanwhile, it is
appropriate for management of artificial river mouth openings to be conservative as well as adaptive, especially as our
knowledge of the system increases.
Water quality is also an important consideration as ARMOs can change conditions within the estuary and wetlands
dramatically. The natural mouth opening that occurred in 2001 resulted in a water level drop of one metre in 24 hours.
Similar level changes have been observed in other systems as a result of artificial breaching. Such a rapid change can lead
to entrapment of fish in aquatic vegetation and backwater areas separated from the main channel by levees. Rapid drops
in water level can also trap fish in severely de-oxygenated water leading to death.
The quality of water in the wetlands before ARMOs can also have dramatic impacts on the system. As highlighted
previously, prolonged flooding can result in decomposition of plant material that depletes oxygen levels within the
wetland area. If a river mouth is opened at a time when wetland waters are deoxygenated, there is the potential for
replacing water in the estuary with deoxygenated supplies from the wetlands (Sherwood 2002) (see Section 3.1.3 Natural
Processes - Flooding and altered flood regime).
Of more concern is the risk of removing all oxygenated water from the system. This risk is highest when the system is
highly stratified. As Yambuk Lake estuary is a salt wedge estuary and therefore generally stratified, it is necessary to
carefully assess the water quality, particularly the dissolved oxygen profiles before conducting an ARMO. Measurement
of oxygen profiles before ARMOs are required as a licence condition. The extent and size of the stratification is regulated
by a number of factors, including tide, freshwater inflows and weather conditions. These factors are among licence
38
Yambuk Lake Estuary and Wetlands
conditions. Removal of oxygenated water has the potential to result in mass fish kills, such as those seen after the
opening of the Surry River in 1999 and the Gellibrand estuary in 2000. A fish kill was recorded in the Yambuk Lake estuary
and wetlands following an artificial opening in 2000 (Besley 2000), although the exact cause was not established.
The Estuary Entrance Management Decision Support Framework outlined in Section 8 will address issues relating to river
mouth opening and provide best practice management guidelines.
See Section 9.1.6 for recommended actions
Soils, erosion and sedimentation
Estuaries (and lakes) act as sediment traps due to the drop in velocity of inflowing water as it meets the relatively still
waters of the estuary (Sherwood 1985). Sedimentation is a natural process in estuaries and occurs as an estuary evolves
into a more mature landform comprising terrestrial floodplains, levees and backswamps (Roy et al. 2001). The rate of
sedimentation is strongly related to the availability of sediment (Kench 1999), which highlights the importance of
controlling erosion where it occurs. Sedimentation rate has probably increased since European settlement, due partly to
land clearing and land-use practices.
Consistent with this process of sedimentation, the bottom sediment of Yambuk Lake comprises a fine soft mud. In the mid1800s, a whaler reportedly drowned in 'quicksand' (soft mud) while attempting to cross the mouth of the Shaw River
(Yambuk Book Committee, 1994).
Erosion within the estuary and wetlands area is not a major issue, although isolated active bank erosion occurs along the
Shaw and Eumeralla rivers. Bank erosion is mainly associated with stock access, which has resulted in the loss of riparian
vegetation and exposed stream banks.
Suspended solids tend to decrease closer to the estuary entrance due to flocculation by seawater and a reduction in water
velocity. Increased turbulence caused by higher flows from river discharge upstream can raise concentrations of
suspended solids. The shallow nature of the main waterbody of the lake means that wind action can re-suspend bottom
sediments and increase turbidity and water discolouration. Another effect of this re-suspension can be the release of
nutrients from bottom sediments into the water column, leading to algal growth.
Yambuk and the Eumeralla River were included in the preparation of coastal acid sulphate soils (ASS) hazard maps for
Victoria. This found no ASS present and nil risk of potential acid sulphate soils (CLPR 2003). In New South Wales and
Queensland, however, there have been cases of these soils forming due to the drainage of coastal floodplains (CLPR 2003).
This indicates they could potentially form in the Yambuk area.
See Section 9.1.4 for recommended actions
Water quality
pH
On October 4, 2004, the pH of the lake waters ranged from 8.5 to 8.9 in less than 1 m of freshwater at the top of the
estuary waterbody. A pH of 8 represents a 10-fold increase in the alkalinity of the water (pH is measured on a logarithmic
scale), a pH of 7 being neutral is optimum for the freshwater layer. The pH of the saline bottom waters ranged from 8.1
to 8.2, which is within the normal range of 8.0 to 8.3 for seawater. Monitoring on this date was undertaken following a
fish health concern on September 27, 2004.
At this stage the processes responsible for inducing such a large increase in pH in the freshwater layer are unknown.
Monthly water quality monitoring now includes pH, but further investigation of pH change and its implications are
required.
See Section 9.1.3 for recommended actions
Yambuk Lake Estuary and Wetlands Management Plan
39
Nutrients
Although nitrogen and phosphorus are essential to plant growth, excessive levels can contribute to eutrophication of a
system. Eutrophication can lead to algal blooms; although to date there have been no recorded toxic algal blooms within
the Yambuk Lake estuary system. Non-toxic algal blooms can also be a concern as they limit recreational access to the
waterway, increase oxygen demand and decrease light penetration.
Studies undertaken at Deakin University in the late 1980s found the concentration of nutrients in the form of total
oxidised nitrogen and total phosphorus was not unusually high and was comparable to similar estuarine systems in South
West Victoria (Deakin University, 1988). Recent monitoring of nutrient concentrations at freshwater sites above the
estuary and wetlands has indicated nutrient concentrations potentially in excess of the State Environment Protection
Policy Waters of Victoria (SEPP WoV) criteria (See Appendix H). Further monitoring is required to determine the estuary's
compliance with the guidelines as assessment against the criteria requires a minimum of 11 data points - data that is not
yet available for the estuary and wetlands. Neither total nitrogen nor total phosphorus are currently recorded.
See Section 9.1.3 for recommended actions
Turbidity
Turbidity measured at the freshwater site above the estuary complies with the guidelines. (2.9 nephelometric turbidity
unit (NTU) measured, the objective being less than 10 NTU). Turbidity has been measured monthly since November, 2003,
at three sites within the estuary and wetlands and appears to vary considerably within and between sites. In November,
2003, turbidity ranged from 1.9 to 9.7 NTU, both readings being recorded near the caravan park boat ramp. The range in
December was less, with turbidity values ranging between 0.8 and 5 NTU. High turbidity is an issue in estuaries, as a large
amount of suspended material in the water column will result in a decrease in light penetration. This, in turn, limits the
photosynthesis of seagrass and phytoplankton, which can have flow-on effects for the aquatic community.
See Section 9.1.3 for recommended actions
Dissolved oxygen
Dissolved oxygen has a major influence on the distribution of fish and aquatic invertebrates. Even short-term changes to
dissolved oxygen levels can have dramatic consequences for water quality and the ecology of the system. These can
include mass fish kills, such as those seen at the Surry River estuary in 1999 following the opening of the estuary entrance.
Factors influencing the availability of dissolved oxygen in the system include algal blooms and the decomposition of
wetland vegetation, as stated previously.
See Section 9.1.3 for recommended actions
Climate change
Climate change due to global warming and the greenhouse effect could have a significant impact on the Yambuk Lake
estuary and wetlands.
Potential changes are difficult to predict as they depend greatly on future actions and emission levels. It is possible wave
energy will be altered, which could have a dramatic effect on the estuary entrance and its management, along with
changes in species distributions and life-cycles (Howden et al. 2003). Climate change will have a significantly greater
impact on those species that have longer generational times and are not able to quickly adapt to an altered environment.
Impacts on wetland areas may include changes to the rate of inflow, increased water losses due to a higher rate of
evaporation produced by the increased temperatures, changes to soil erosion due to an increase in drought and an
increase in heavy rainfall events (Pittock 2003). Coastal wetlands may not be able to migrate as sea level increases due
to physical barriers in the landscape (Pittock 2003). In areas like Yambuk, this may result in increased inundation of
agricultural land.
The impact of climate change on estuarine areas may include, an increase in shoreline erosion, dieback of reeds and other
plants due to an increase in salinity - this would also affect aquatic animals - an increase in turbidity due to increased
40
Yambuk Lake Estuary and Wetlands
erosion throughout the catchment, an increase of estuarine area and an increase in algal blooms (Pittock 2003). Increased
turbidity will decrease light penetration, impacting on the primary production of aquatic plants and the rest of the
aquatic food chain.
Other possible impacts include an increase in temperature, a decrease in rainfall and an increase in storm events and
ferocity.
See Section 9.1.7 for recommended actions
Sea level rise
No studies have been undertaken into the potential effects of an increase in sea level on the Yambuk Lake estuary and
wetlands. Sherwood (1987) looked at potential implications of the effects of rising sea levels on the Hopkins, Glenelg,
Gellibrand and Barwon estuaries. Although this study cannot be directly applied to Yambuk, it does demonstrate the
complexity of trying to predict rising sea levels and their effect. Sea level rise is not a recent phenomenon; the CSIRO
(2003) states that in the past 100 years, sea levels have risen 10 to 20 cm. A number of factors are likely to contribute to
an increase in sea levels globally, including the melting of glaciers and polar ice caps and the thermal expansion of
seawater due to increased global temperatures.
Mean water level in estuaries open to the sea is close to mean sea-water level. Therefore, it would be reasonable to assume
an elevation in sea level would be reflected in a corresponding increase in estuary water level (Sherwood 1987).
Year
Low increase scenario
(cm)
Mid increase scenario
(cm)
High increase scenario
(cm)
2020
5
10
15
2050
10
20
40
Table 2: Predicted sea level increases. (Source: sea level increases IPCC 1996 cited in McInnes et al. 2000.)
The effect of such an increase in water levels on the state, size or location of the sand bar at the estuary mouth is
unknown and would require a detailed study of the geomorphology and hydrodynamics of the area. It is possible the
sand bar could decrease in size if there was an increase in water levels within the system. This could lead to the estuary
being open to the sea for longer periods. But if temperatures in the region continue to increase as predicted (CSIRO 2001),
it is possible higher evaporation and lower rainfalls may negate this. This makes it extremely difficult to predict what
impacts an increase in sea levels may have on the opening/closing regime of Yambuk Lake.
Alterations to hydrology have the potential to dramatically affect the ecology of the system, especially changes in the
water level or the opening/closing regime. As previously stated, many saltmarsh plants require periodic inundation,
although prolonged inundation can be detrimental. This may result in saltmarsh vegetation communities slowly moving
landward over time, to avoid prolonged inundation. According to the CSIRO (2003), many animal and plant species
already have been found to adjust their seasonal responses due to global warming. It is possible plant and animal species
may also adjust their distributions to counter the effects of global warming, including rising sea levels. Changes in the
opening/closing regime of the estuary mouth have the potential to affect fish recruitment into the system as well as water
quality, although it is unknown if such impacts would be positive or negative. Another possible consequence of rising
sea levels and global warming is that as Australia becomes hotter and drier, the value of the Yambuk Lake estuary and
wetlands as a drought refuge will increase.
3.1.4 DISEASES, VIRUSES AND INFECTIONS
On Monday September 27, 2004, Wally Parsons reported a fish health issue to Glenelg Hopkins CMA. Over the previous
weekend, the Koroit Angling Club held a fishing competition on Yambuk Lake. The catch included 150 Black Bream,
approximately 6 of which had ulcers and lesions under the scales. Black Bream of all sizes and weights were the only
species affected. Scott Gray of Fisheries Victoria, forwarded fish samples to the Department of Primary Industries
Attwood for analysis.
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41
Black Bream
Note the discoloration under
scales near the fins
Ulceration the size of a 10 cent piece;
significant redness and a hole in the
body cavity
Capture 26-09-04
Total length 27cm
Photo: Scott Gray
Figure 11 Infected Black Bream from Yambuk Lake 2004
A pathology report revealed ulcerative dermatitis and myositis of the skin consistent with Epizootic Ulcerative Syndrome
(EUS) or Red Spot Disease. Testing of infected samples collected from Yambuk Lake proved inconclusive, the exact cause
of these lesions is unknown.
An initial sign of EUS is mass mortality. In spring, 2000, about 70 dead bream were found along the shore of the estuary,
with many showing signs of ulceration similar to the symptoms posed by the recently reported fish. A formal
pathological report was not filed at this time (Scott Gray pers. comm. 2004).
Changes in pH, salinity, temperature and/or large fresh water inflows can combine to stress fish and cause them to loose
the protective film from their skin that acts as a barrier to disease and infection. EUS is a fungal infection that requires
the loss of this protective film.
In the most recent outbreak, it is possible large freshwater in-flows combined with low dissolved oxygen levels and high
pH in the freshwater layer stressed the fish, facilitating the EUS infection.
In natural waters, EUS is largely untreatable and best prevented by maintaining optimum water quality. Once an
outbreak occurs, infected fish should be removed. EUS has implications for aquaculture developments and wild fisheries
with the Asia-Pacific Quarterly Aquatic Animal Disease Reporting System estimating the economic loss caused by EUS for
Eastern Australia at US$700,000 annually.
While EUS has no known human health implications, the visual symptoms reduce the commercial value of fish.
3.2 SOCIAL
Although many of the recreational uses of the area are passive, they still impact on the system. These include the
trampling of flora and fauna and inappropriately disposed wastes and litter. Litter not only degrades the habitat but
reduces the scenic and recreational values of the system. More importantly, it can have serious detrimental effects on
native flora and fauna. The discharge of human-generated marine debris into Victorian marine or estuarine waters is
listed under Schedule 3 of the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988 as a threatening process (SAC 2002). This includes all
forms of waste dumped in the marine environment that have the potential to enter an estuary when the estuary entrance
is open through tides, or when it is closed via overtopping of the entrance by waves. Most particularly, it includes fishing
gear, litter left by picnickers and litter escaping from coastal rubbish dumps. The Victorian Coastal Strategy (2002) has
the objective of reducing the impact of effluent on marine and estuarine environments. The strategy (NRE 2002b)
includes the following action that is particularly relevant to the Yambuk Lake area:
"Public amenities on the coast will be reviewed through management planning processes to ensure that sewerage
systems have sufficient capacity to cope with high visitation periods such as summer and large festivals and events."
Threats to the area from more active uses include recreational fishing and inappropriate disposal of fishing-related wastes,
such as line and hooks. These are included as human-generated wastes under Schedule 3 of the Flora and Fauna
42
Yambuk Lake Estuary and Wetlands
Guarantee Act 1988 and, therefore, must be disposed correctly. Fishing line, bait containers, hooks, etc. pose a danger
to fish, birds and marine mammals. Other threats include the disturbance to shoreline vegetation. Boating is also a threat
to the area through physical and noise disturbance and potential pollutants.
Likewise, duck hunting can be a threat through physical and noise disturbance, as well as the potential for accidental
shooting of protected species. The use of lead shot in cartridges for hunting of waterfowl is listed as a threatening process
under the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988 and has been phased out.
See Sections 4 and 9.2.1
3.3 CULTURAL
Cultural threats include any development on freehold or Crown land that may disturb or destroy Aboriginal or nonAboriginal cultural and historic sites.
See Section 9.3 for recommended actions
3.4 ECONOMIC
3.4.1 AGRICULTURE
Threats to the area's economy, especially the agriculture industry, include frequency, seasonal timing and duration of
inundation of private land associated with closure of the river mouth and the negative effects of prolonged inundation
of pasture. The economic impact of flooding regimes on agriculture has yet to be quantified. See Section 9.4.2. Gross
production figures for a period of inundation were calculated recently. These figures are currently being verified.
Pest plants and animals are also a threat to agricultural production and must be monitored regularly to ensure new
species do not become established. This is additional to work being undertaken to ensure established pests are controlled.
Agriculture provides a direct economic benefit to the local community. Conversely, agricultural enterprises can
threaten the ecology of the area and require careful management. Run-off from agricultural land can affect water
quality through transport of nutrients into the system, thereby increasing the risk of eutrophication. Pesticides,
herbicides and inappropriate disposal of farm wastes can also degrade water quality and, in turn, flora and fauna.
Direct stock access to the system, as shown in Figure 12, will not only increase erosion, but degrade water quality
through the direct input of excrement into the waterway. High levels of nutrients can cause eutrophication, which
is discussed in Section 3.1.3. Erosion through stock access and land clearing and altered hydrology through schemes
such as the rural drainage scheme can also lead to negative impacts. Effects of agriculture and rural drainage schemes
on the Yambuk Lake estuary and wetlands are currently unquantified.
Figure 12 - Direct stock access to Yambuk Lake
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43
3.4.2 COMMERCIAL FISHING
The economic benefit of commercial eel fishing is at risk from anything that threatens the production and recruitment of
eels to the system. This includes water quality within the system, ocean-climate effects that may negatively influence
spawning and recruitment of eels, habitat modification, and barriers to migration. The estuary bar may act as a barrier
to migration, juvenile Short-finned Eels migrate from the sea into freshwater mainly in winter and spring, which are peak
flow periods for the Eumeralla River when the river mouth is more likely to be open. Eels have been shown to travel
extensively over land, indicating a closed mouth may not be a significant barrier to their migration as adults. One
example of eels travelling over land occurs in the Hopkins River, where juveniles will climb the Hopkins Falls to enter the
freshwater reaches.
Threats to the ecosystem posed by commercial fishing include overfishing and the issue of by-catch. Fyke nets are the
only nets that can be used in commercial eel fishing and a licence condition is that they must be cleared at least once in
every 48 hours. This length of time may pose a serious threat to any mammals, such as native water rats and platypus,
which may become entangled and drown. According to the Victorian Eel Fishery Management Plan (DNRE 2002b), rivers
with populations of platypuses are closed to commercial eel fishing. With limited information on the mammals of the
Yambuk Lake estuary and wetlands, however, it is impossible to determine the level of threat. The issue of by-catch
within the estuary and wetlands is unknown.
Other potential threats to the ecosystem include trampling of vegetation and disturbance of substrate, riverbanks,
riparian and in-stream vegetation during the deployment and retrieval of gear.
See Section 9.4.3 for recommended actions
44
Yambuk Lake Estuary and Wetlands
4 LOCAL GOVERNMENT PLANNING
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45
4.1 PLANNING SCHEME
The Moyne Shire Planning Scheme contains state and local planning policies, zones and overlays and controls land use
and development within the municipality. The scheme indicates if a planning permit is required to change the use of land,
to construct a building or make other changes to the land (DSE, 2001). The Municipal Strategic Statement identifies the
importance of coastal systems, particularly the Eumeralla River. Zoning in accordance with the Planing and Environment
Act 1987 has been applied to the area to control land use and development.
4.2 LOCAL PLANNING POLICY
Decisions regarding applications for planning permits are made using planning policies (DSE, 2001). An appropriate local
planning policy is required for the area covered by this management plan to ensure control of potential changes in land
use and increasing pressure from recreational activities. Future reviews of the Moyne Shire Planning Scheme represent
important opportunities to ensure planning policy forms a strong foundation for the maintenance and enhancement of
the significant environmental, economic, social and cultural values of the Yambuk Lake estuary and wetlands.
4.3 ZONES AND OVERLAYS
Zones
The planning scheme zones land for particular uses - e.g. residential, industrial, business or other. The scheme lists the
zones along with particular requirements and information, such as if a planning permit is required and the matters the
council must consider before deciding to grant a permit. The zone also contains information relating to land uses,
subdivision of land, construction of new buildings and other land changes (DSE, 2001).
The Moyne Shire Planning Scheme identifies three landuse zones within the boundary of this management plan:
l rural
l township
l public conservation and resource
The waters of Yambuk Lake and the eastern and western land areas are zoned public conservation and resource (PCRZ).
This aims to:
l protect and conserve the natural environment and natural processes for their historic, scientific, landscape, habitat
or cultural values;
l provide facilities that assist in public education on the importance of the coastal environment with minimal
degradation of the natural environment or natural processes
l provide for appropriate resource-based uses.
The remaining areas around the lake and wetlands are covered by a rural zone (RUZ), which aims to encourage:
l an integrated approach to land management
l protection and creation of an effective rural infrastructure and land resource
l improvement of existing agriculture techniques
l protection and enhancement of the area's biodiversity
l value-adding to agricultural products at the source
l promotion of economic development compatible with rural activities
l development of new sustainable and rural enterprises.
The adequacy of these zones for the management plan area should be reviewed in light of new zones for rural Victoria,
incorporated into the Victorian Planning Provisions in June 2004.
The new rural zones include:
l farming
l rural activity
l rural living
l rural conservation
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Yambuk Lake Estuary and Wetlands
Details of these new zones can be seen at http://www.dse.vic.gov.au/dse/index.htm or the Moyne Shire offices.
In considering these new zones in the management plan area, their adequacy to control the following should be taken
into account:
l intensive animal industries, such as broiler farms, piggeries and feedlots, should be prohibited within the management
plan area
l any future buildings and works should be setback an appropriate distance from the estuary and wetlands to be
protected from a 1-in-100 year flood event
l effluent from housing developments should be adequately managed according to the State Environment Protection
Policy - Waters of Victoria. (EPA, 2003)
Overlays
Overlays are maps showing special features of land that need to be considered in planning decisions.
Types of overlays include:
l environmental significance
l heritage
l significant landscape
The Moyne Shire Planning Scheme includes Environmental Significance Overlay (ESO1) that applies to the coastal strip of
the entire municipality, excluding the township of Port Fairy. It is of particular relevance to this management plan. The
purpose of such an overlay is to identify areas where the development of land may be affected by environmental
constraints and to ensure that any development is compatible with identified environmental values.
Moyne Shire's ESO 1 within the boundary of the management plan applies to land between the Old Coach Road and the
coastline, including the southern portion of Yambuk Lake. Extending coverage of ESO 1 at Yambuk Lake needs to be
considered to ensure the environmental values of the entire lake and wetlands, which are of national and possibly
international significance, can be maintained. This has been recommended by DSE, which has produced a map of Sites of
Biodiversity Significance for the entire Moyne Shire. This map identifies Yambuk Lake estuary and wetlands from the river
mouth to Hummocks Road bridge as an area of significant habitat value that should be covered by an ESO.
An area of significant vegetation extending east and west of The Crags (east of Yambuk) is also identified on the DSE map
and is covered by ESO 1.
There are no Heritage or Significant Landscape overlays within the management plan area.
4.4 LANDSCAPE VALUES
Landscape values are important as the views to and from the estuary are significant socially, recreationally and
economically - for tourists and local residents. While this plan recognises the importance of landscape values, no specific
direction is recommended by the management plan regarding management of this issue. Appropriate zones and overlays
applied by local government represent the primary management tool to prevent development and uses that are not
aesthetically pleasing in areas with important vistas.
4.5 SEA CHANGE
Sea-change type development, while not a major concern at present, could become a more important consideration in
the future as demand for coastal property increases. Appropriate local government planning controls need to be in place
to manage this.
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47
48
Yambuk Lake Estuary and Wetlands
5. MONITORING AND EVALUATION
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49
5. MONITORING AND EVALUATION
The effectiveness of implementing this plan needs to be assessed periodically and the principles of adaptive management
applied - i.e. management of the area needs to reflect changes in priorities that may become evident through improved
information. The monitoring and evaluation framework for the Yambuk Lake Estuary and Wetlands Management Plan
follows that outlined in the Glenelg Hopkins CMA Regional Catchment Strategy and the Glenelg Hopkins CMA River
Health Strategy.
Monitoring implementation is important to ensure significant progress is made and the actions are still appropriate for
the objectives. Collection, recording and analysis of data for monitoring programs, such as water quality, needs to be
consistent to ensure identification of trends in condition. This identification can help to determine the most appropriate
management action. Good baseline information and continuation of monitoring programs is necessary to evaluate the
effectiveness of management actions. Where such information is not available, it may be relevant to sample pre and post
implementation to determine effectiveness.
Proposed annual implementation review meetings will provide the framework for agencies to report on implementation
of actions and allow information to be communicated across the community.
See Section 9.5 for recommended actions
50
Yambuk Lake Estuary and Wetlands
6. COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
AND CAPACITY BUILDING
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51
6. COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT AND CAPACITY BUILDING
Community engagement is the process by which decision-makers provide relevant and timely information, tools and
opportunities for meaningful community input into policy, plans and decisions. An effective community engagement
process can significantly enhance the quality of decisions as it draws from the wealth of local knowledge and
experience and is shaped by the aspirations of people who live, play and work in the area of concern.
A documented socio-environmental history of the Yambuk Lake estuary and wetlands is desired by the local
community. This undertaking would facilitate community engagement and help to understand the current condition
and functioning of the lake estuary and wetlands. There is a degree of urgency to record the history of the area as
many potential contributors are now elderly and hold large amounts of information that has not been previously
documented.
A community profile analysis has been conducted for the Glenelg Hopkins region, which includes information on the
attitudes and awareness of environmental issues. For the Portland Coast Basin, which includes the Yambuk Lake
estuary and wetlands, the community nominated coastal areas as the most valued environmental asset, closely
followed by rivers, streams and estuaries for relaxation, habitat for native birds and animals and fishing. The profile
analysis shows residents of this area are less likely to be concerned with pest plants and animals, although they
strongly support the removal of problem pests. Residents are also less likely to be concerned with eutrophication of
waterways.
Management actions pertaining to community engagement and capacity building in the Yambuk Lake estuary and
wetlands area are presented in Section 9.6. Broad-scale catchment objectives for community engagement can be
found in the Glenelg Hopkins CMA River Health Strategy (2004).
See Section 9.6 for recommended actions
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Yambuk Lake Estuary and Wetlands
7. ON-GOING PROGRAMS
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53
WATER QUALITY MONITORING
Three water quality monitoring sites have been established within the estuary by the Glenelg Hopkins CMA and are
monitored monthly. These sites are located near the caravan park boat ramp, where the Eumeralla River flows into
Yambuk Lake and at the bridge to the Deen Maar property. Details of the physico/chemical parameters, monitoring
frequency and site locations are provided in Appendix G. Monitoring began in November, 2003, and is ongoing.
Daily monitoring of estuary water levels and river mouth status has also been undertaken by Wally Parsons (Yambuk
Caravan Park manager) on a voluntary basis since April, 2002.
The monitoring program also needs to include an analysis of water quality data pre and post artificial river mouth
openings to determine if any seasonal patterns pose a risk to ARMOs. This needs to include a five-yearly assessment of
the data to allow for the determination of seasonal trends.
Continuation of monitoring is vital to understand the complex relationships between the state of the river mouth, water
quality and the ecology of the system. Further, it is essential for determining seasonal trends and variations and
establishing risks associated with eutrophication and stratification
54
Yambuk Lake Estuary and Wetlands
8. FURTHER RESEARCH AND
INFORMATION/KNOWLEDGE GAPS
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55
ESTUARY ENTRANCE MANAGEMENT - DECISION SUPPORT FRAMEWORK
The Glenelg Hopkins CMA, in partnership with Corangamite CMA, Parks Victoria, DSE, Deakin University, Western Coastal
Board and EPA, has been successful in attracting funding to develop a decision support framework for estuary entrance
management.
The estuary entrance management decision support framework will be a tool for use in estuary management across
Victoria and potentially, nationally and internationally. Use of this tool will bring environmental considerations into
balance with social, economic and cultural values.
The primary objective of the project is development of a scientifically-based decision framework that balances
environmental, social and economic expectations for artificial river mouth openings.
The draft framework is due to be trialled on the Yambuk Lake and Glenelg estuary in the second half of 2005.
ARTIFICIAL RIVER MOUTH OPENING PROTOCOLS
This plan recognises that artificial river mouth opening protocols and conditions need to be reviewed, and that a review
has long been the desire of all stakeholders involved with managing the system. Such a review is essential to establish a
balanced approach to the artificial opening of the river mouth, taking into account all values associated with the estuary
and wetlands and private land. Review will be undertaken following the completion of the estuary entrance decision
support framework.
APPLICATION OF LAND STEWARDSHIP PRACTICES
The Victorian Catchment Management Council (VCMC) and Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE) recently
produced a series of discussion papers on providing market-based incentives for landholders who undertake maintenance
and enhancement of natural values over and above a generally accepted standard of "duty of care".
The concept is being described as land stewardship, and is a step toward incorporating "ecosystem services" thinking into
Victoria's natural resource management framework.
The concept has been discussed within natural resource management circles for more than a decade and is based on
defining in dollar terms, the value of services that the environment provides to humans - e.g. clean air, drinking water,
fisheries, timber and waste recycling.
Studies around the world have focussed on putting dollar values on different components of the natural environment,
such as oceans, estuaries and wetlands. One such study (Costanza et al. 1997) has valued estuaries above all other
components of the natural environment in terms of ecosystem services provided to humans.
The land stewardship concept being considered by the VCMC and DSE may have significant potential for the Yambuk Lake
estuary and wetlands, and warrants further consideration.
56
Yambuk Lake Estuary and Wetlands
9. MANAGEMENT OBJECTIVES,
TARGETS AND ACTIONS
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57
9. MANAGEMENT OBJECTIVES, TARGETS AND ACTIONS
The following section provides the management objectives, targets and actions for the Yambuk Lake estuary and wetland.
These have been developed in response to the identification of threats to the values of the area.
Responsibility for implementation and associated monitoring is indicated in the lead column of the action tables.
Stakeholders assigned a lead role are encouraged to record progress with implementation and report this to the proposed
annual review meetings (see Section 1.4).
Note: The term land managers in the lead column signifies that implementation should be undertaken by all private land
owners and public land managers.
A priority rating accompanies each action, as follows:
VERY HIGH (VH) - actions that are essential to maintaining or improving the values of the Yambuk Lake estuary and
wetlands.
HIGH (H) - actions that, when implemented, will significantly contribute to the maintenance of the values of the area.
MEDIUM (M) - actions that, when implemented in conjunction with higher priority actions will support the
maintenance and contribute to the restoration of the values of the area.
LOW (L) - actions that, when implemented in conjunction with higher and medium priority actions, will result in the
enhancement of the values of the area.
ONGOING - actions that require continuing attention to maintain or monitor the values of the Yambuk Lake estuary
and wetlands.
Implementation of actions according to their assigned priority largely depends on the capacity of agencies and the
community to undertake the work at a particular time. It is often the case that actions of a lower priority can be
implemented sooner, as opportunities arise in terms of funding resources and capacity. A degree of flexibility in
undertaking implementation is important.
AREA OF APPLICATION FOR ACTIONS
The area to which individual actions apply is indicated in the right hand column of the following tables.
The areas, in no particular order, are:
AREA A - public land areas, represented by green areas on the map at the back of the plan.
AREA B - lake, estuary and wetlands, including private land affected by flooding, represented by blue speckled areas on
the map at the back of the plan.
AREA C - private land areas, represented by white areas within the management plan area on the map at the back of
the plan. The boundary of the management plan area is shown in orange.
AREA D - catchment (both Eumeralla and Shaw rivers), including all areas listed above
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Yambuk Lake Estuary and Wetlands
9.1 ENVIRONMENT
ACTION
NUMBER
9.1.1 NATIVE FLORA, FAUNA AND HABITAT
OBJECTIVE: Improved protection and management of native flora and fauna with no further losses of
native flora and fauna species.
TARGET: To ensure there is a net gain in both native flora and fauna, with no further losses of native flora
and fauna species
Action
Number
Strategy
Lead
Priority
VH
Area
YFF 1
Conduct habitat flora and fauna surveys to determine the species
present within the Yambuk Lake Estuary and Wetlands Management
Plan Area.
DSE
YFF 2
Undertake pest plant and animal control before revegetation.
Landmanagers
VH
A, B, C
YFF 3
Produce a revegetation and enhancement planting guide.
GHCMA
VH
A, B, C
YFF 4
Fence, where appropriate:
- remnants
- habitat areas
- waterways
- areas for revegetation.
Landmanagers
VH
A, B, C
YFF 5
Revegetate in partnership with the Glenelg Hopkins CMA.
Landmanagers
H
A, B, C
YFF 6
Manage remnant and revegetation areas sustainably - e.g.
- controlled grazing
- pest plant and animal control
- controlled burning.
Landmanagers
M
A, B, C
YFF 7
Monitor survival and re-colonisation of remnant and revegetation
areas.
Landmanagers
M
A, B, C
YFF 8
If survival rate of revegetation areas is less than 75% after two years,
then determine the cause and implement remedial works.
Landmanagers
/ GHCMA
M
A, B, C
YFF 9
Conduct a feasibility study for land purchase.Investigate:
- sources of $
- options for raising $
- management following purchase
- options for ownership.
DSE / GHCMA
TFN
H
B, C
YFF 10
If action YFF 9 finds that land purchase is feasible:
- determine funding source
- apply for funding
- determine potential ownership.
DSE / GHCMA
TFN
H
B, C
YFF 11
Following YFF 9 and YFF 10, land purchase subject to availability.
DSE / TFN
H
B, C
YFF 12
Investigate the presence of barriers to fish passage.
GHCMA
H
B, D
YFF 13
Modify/remove any barriers to fish passage.
GHCMA
H
B, D
YFF 14
Investigate the information requirements and implications for
landholders of listing Yambuk Lake estuary and wetlands as a wetland
of international importance (e.g. Ramsar).
DSE
M
B
YFF 15
Ascertain level of community support for listing Yambuk Lake estuary
and wetlands as a wetland of international importance.
DSE
M
B, C
YFF 16
If there is community support, undertake to achieve listing of Yambuk
Lake estuary and wetlands as a wetland of international importance.
DSE
L
B
YFF 17
Encourage retention and restoration of natural wetlands on private
property in Eumeralla and Shaw river catchments, with government
assistance where appropriate.
GHCMA,
DSE
H
D
YFF 18
Encourage permanent protection and restoration of high value
biodiversity areas through voluntary legal agreements, land purchase,
use of a revolving fund and an incentives program.
TFN
VH
YFF 19
Implement an integrated Stewardship Program that regularly reports
on the compliance and implementation of legal agreements according
to agreements and site/property management plan.
TFN
VH
YFF 20
Review and ensure that Regional Fire Protection Plans protect sensitive MSC
estuarine vegetation communities from inappropriate fire hazard
reduction programs.
L
A, B, C
B, C, D
D
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59
9.1 ENVIRONMENT
CONT....
9.1.1 NATIVE FLORA, FAUNA AND HABITAT
Action
Number
YFF 21
Strategy
To conserve optimum conditions for the retention of rare and
threatened species, determine the habitat requirements for the
following species in relation to:
l
l
Lead
DSE
Priority
VH
Area
A, B, C
the cycles of inundation and drying
water quality of the estuary.
Including, but not limited to:
a. Orange-bellied Parrot
b. Little Egret
c. Other bird species listed under international agreements
d. Black Bream
e. Yarra Pygmy Perch
f. Dwarf Galaxias
g. Beaded Glasswort
h. Bidgee Widgee
i. Wooly Tea Tree.
l
Sand dune vegetation management
a. Hooded Plover
9.1.2 PEST PLANTS AND ANIMAL
OBJECTIVE:
1. To achieve low numbers of species of introduced flora and fauna within the Yambuk area through ongoing
control programs
2. To prevent establishment of new pest plant and animal species in the area through early identification and
control
TARGET:
To achieve long-term control of pest plants and animals within the area.
Action
Number
60
Lead
Strategy
Priority
Area
A, B, C
YPPA 1
Conduct surveys of pest plant and animal species, including mapping
the distribution of priority pest plant and animal species.
DPI
VH
YPPA 2
Provide opportunities for community involvement and education.
DPI
H
B, C
YPPA 3
Develop co-ordinated control programs with all land owners/managers.
DPI
H
A, B, C
YPPA 4
Monitor the on-going pest plant and animal control programs to
determine their progress and review the management approach.
DPI
YPPA 5
Undertake co-ordinated control programs with landholders/managers.
Landmanagers
H
D
YPPA 6
Monitoring for new and emerging pest plant and animal species.
DPI
H
D
YPPA 7
Ensure there is an appropriate framework in place to allow for the
notification of new weed infestations along with new and emerging
pest fauna species.
DPI
H
D
YPPA 8
Control listed emerging threatening species.
DPI
VH
D
YPPA 9
Unlisted species - community needs to take action to prevent spread.
Landmanagers
VH
D
YPPA 10
If a species is unlisted and considered to be a risk to the values of the
area, DPI to consider listing species as an emerging threat species.
DPI
H
D
YPPA 11
Distribute copies of the Guidelines for Preventing Spread of Weeds to
land managers.
DPI
VH
C
Yambuk Lake Estuary and Wetlands
On-going A, B, C
9.1.3 WATER QUALITY
OBJECTIVE:
Water quality and quantity that protects the diversity and abundance of aquatic ecosystems and allows
recreational and aesthetic enjoyment of the estuary.
TARGET:
To achieve better than State Environment Protection Policy guideline maximum concentrations for water
quality readings 80% of the time by 2020.
Action
Number
Lead
Strategy
Priority
Area
YWQ 1
Monitor water quality on a minimum monthly basis as per Section 7
and Appendix G.
GHCMA
On-going
B, D
YWQ 2
Undertake 12 monthly analysis of water quality data collected as part
of the program outlined in section 7 to determine whether water
quality meets the SEPP guidelines.
GHCMA
On-going
B
YWQ 3
In light of the results of the above analysis, implement actions, if
necessary, to ensure water quality is better than the SEPP guideline
maximum levels.
GHCMA
M
D
YWQ 4
Maintain strong contingency plans and capabilities for dealing with oil Port of
spills.
Portland
YWQ 5
Ensure all waste and sewage discharges with the catchment are
appropriately licensed.
EPA
H
D
YWQ 6
Ensure all dairies manage wastes so they are retained within the
boundary of the property as required under the SEPP WoV.
EPA
VH
C
YWQ 7
Investigate the feasibility of an annual fee to allow for a co-ordinated
approach to septic tank pump out and maintenance.
MSC
M
D
YWQ 8
Encourage the adoption of best management practices for nutrient
management on farms.
DPI
VH
C
YWQ 9
Audit the existing maintenance of septic tanks by the end of 2005.
MSC
H
D
YWQ 10
Include pH and nutrient analysis in monthly estuarine water quality
monitoring.
GHCMA
VH
B
YWQ 11
Investigate factor(s) causing an increase in freshwater pH.
GHCMA
VH
B
On-going
A, B
9.1.4 SOILS, EROSION AND SEDIMENTATION
OBJECTIVE:
Protect soil health and minimise estuary sedimentation and erosion in the catchment, along riverbanks and
on the estuary foreshore.
TARGET:
Development of streamside buffers in 50% of the catchment and the estuary by 2050 to restrict stock access
and allow regeneration of native plant species
Action
Number
Lead
Strategy
Priority
Area
YSES 1
Identify sites and map sites of active erosion that are threatening the
estuary.
GHCMA
VH
D
YSES 2
Undertake erosion control works in partnership with Glenelg Hopkins
CMA.
Land managers VH
D
YSES 3
Monitor success of erosion control works.
GHCMA
M
D
YSES 4
Inform and engage with users, adjoining landholders and catchment
community of Yambuk Lake on the sources of erosion and the
prevention of sedimentation into the lake.
GHCMA
M
D
Yambuk Lake Estuary and Wetlands Management Plan
61
9.1.5 FLOODING
OBJECTIVE:
To achieve as close to a natural flooding regime as possible taking into account social, economic and
environmental requirements and the modified status of the estuary and wetland.
TARGET:
1. Accurate quantification of the area of land affected by flooding.
2. Accurate quantification of the economic impact of flooding of agricultural land.
3. Determination of the environmental requirements for flooding.
Action
Number
Lead
Strategy
Priority
Area
VH
A, B, C
YF1
Accurately quantify the area of land affected by flooding at different
water levels.
YF2
Accurately quantify the economic impact of flooding agricultural land. Agricultural
landholders
/ GHCMA
VH
B, C
YF3
Incorporate flooding extent data from Bishop PhD study with property GHCMA/
boundaries.
MSC
VH
B, C
YF4
Investigate the cost-benefit of flood proofing or relocating low-lying
assets e.g. farm access tracks.
GHCMA
L
B
YF5
Investigate the maximum periods of inundation for various indigenous
plant species before damage occurs.
GHCMA
H
B
YF6
Investigate the maximum periods of inundation for various agricultural DPI
plant species before damage occurs.
H
B
YF7
Raise the awareness of the community about the need for natural
flooding (wetting) and drying processes to continue as part of the
natural ecological cycles of estuaries needed to sustain estuary and
wetland health.
GHCMA,
DSE
VH
D
YF8
Encourage flood tolerant or complementary land use on flood-prone
land adjacent to estuaries. e.g. seasonal grazing.
DPI
VH
B
GHCMA
9.1.6 ESTUARY ENTRANCE AND ARTIFICIAL RIVER MOUTH OPENING
OBJECTIVE:
Develop a management process for the estuary entrance that provides the best possible compromise
between the ecological requirements of the estuary and wetlands and the social and economic requirements
of the local community.
TARGET:
Develop a protocol for estuary mouth opening using the decision support framework by the end of 2006.
Action
Number
Strategy
Lead
Priority
Area
YARMO 1
Develop and adopt the Estuary Entrance Management Decision
Framework.
GHCMA
VH
A, B
YARMO 2
In light of recommendations from the above process, review artificial
river mouth opening procedures, taking into consideration social,
economic, cultural and environmental needs.
GHCMA
VH
A, B
YARMO 3
Inform the community on the importance of not artificially opening an GHCMA
estuary entrance at inappropriate times, the environmental
consequences, public safety issues and the potential liability to
prosecution.
H
A, B
62 Yambuk Lake Estuary and Wetlands
9.1.7 CLIMATE CHANGE
OBJECTIVE:
Actively manage risk associated with predicted climate change within the Yambuk area.
TARGET:
Ensure the effects of climate change are incorporated into the Moyne Shire Planning Scheme by 2010.
Action
Number
YCC 1
Lead
Strategy
Assess the risks to the biodiversity values of the estuary due to climate
change.
GHCMA
Priority
L
Area
B
9.1.8 DISEASES, VIRUSES AND INFECTION
OBJECTIVE:
Maintain healthy indigenous flora and fauna populations.
TARGET:
Action
Number
Strategy
Lead
Priority
Public
Land managers
Area
YD 1
Ensure any future fish kills are reported, cleaned up, monitored and
assessed according to the EPA Interim Fish Kill Protocol.
D
YD 2
For future outbreaks, collect infected fish samples and refrigerated but
do not freeze.
D
YD 3
Notify Fisheries Victoria and Glenelg Hopkins CMA of any future
outbreaks.
D
YD 4
Fisheries Victoria to organise for samples of any infected fish samples.
DPI
D
YD 5
Organise laboratory analysis of infected samples.
DPI
D
YD 6
In event of any future outbreaks water quality analysis to be carried
out as soon as possible at freshwater limits and within lake body.
GHCMA
D
9.2 SOCIAL
9.2.1 RECREATION
OBJECTIVE:
Recreational uses of the estuary, foreshore and wetlands that do not compromise the natural values of the
system.
TARGET:
Policies to ensure recreational activities do not compromise the natural values of the system.
Action
Number
Lead
Strategy
Priority
Area
YREC 1
Determine the level of recreational use and survey visitor numbers to
recommend appropriate infrastructure requirements to meet demands
and expectation.
MSC & PV
M
A
YREC 2
Enforce regulations for recreational activities.
PV, DSE, MSC,
DPI Fisheries
H
A, B
YREC 3
Provide information at the Yambuk Caravan Park for the users of the
lake and estuary on responsible camping practices, including pets,
litter, fish cleaning, fire and sullage.
PV, MSC
M
A
Yambuk Lake Estuary and Wetlands Management Plan
63
9.3 CULTURAL
9.3 CULTURAL
OBJECTIVE:
Protect areas of cultural significance and increase community understanding and awareness of cultural and
heritage values within the project area.
TARGET:
Protection of all sites of archaeological and heritage significance.
Action
Number
Strategy
Lead
Priority
Area
YC 1
Where appropriate identify, protect and interpret sites of Aboriginal
interest and significance in consultation with Framlingham Aboriginal
Trust.
FAT, Public
land managers
M
A
YC 2
Identify, protect and interpret where appropriate sites of nonAboriginal historic interest and significance.
Public
land managers
M
D
YC 3
Increase community awareness of the potential for significant sites and FAT
artefacts in the Yambuk area.
M
D
9.4 ECONOMICS
9.4.1 AGRICULTURE
OBJECTIVE:
To ensure agricultural activities are undertaken in a sustainable way that ensures impacts on adjoining
wetlands and estuary are minimised.
TARGET:
Economically and environmentally sustainable agricultural enterprises in the Yambuk area.
Action
Number
64
Strategy
Lead
Priority
Area
YAG 1
Quantify the economic contribution agriculture makes to the local and GHCMA
broader community.
VH
C
YAG 2
Determine the economic loss caused by inundation of agricultural land. Agricultural
landholders
VH
B
YAG 3
Assess the feasibility of providing market-based incentives to landholders to manage floodplain land according to land stewardship
principles.
VH
B, C
YAG 4
Review and implement best practices for agriculture, particularly those Agricultural
areas close to estuary and wetlands through whole farm planning.
landholders
VH
D
YAG 5
Investigate alternative pasture species that will tolerate inundation
DPI
without negative impacts on the ecosystem of the Yambuk Lake estuary
and wetlands.
VH
B, C
YAG 6
Determine the impact of drainage in the Eumeralla and Shaw
catchments on the extent and duration of inundation at the Yambuk
Lake estuary and wetlands.
VH
D
Yambuk Lake Estuary and Wetlands
GHCMA
TFN
GHCMA
9.4.2 COMMERCIAL AND RECREATIONAL FISHING
OBJECTIVE:
Manage commercially and recreationally important fish and invertebrate species at levels that can be
sustainably harvested while protecting the aquatic ecosystem.
TARGET:
Ensure 95% compliance with relevant fishing legislation.
Action
Number
Strategy
Lead
Priority
Area
YCRF 1
Identify the impacts of fishing activity on the resources of the site,
particularly juvenile fish and bait species, and enforce fishing
regulations.
DPI Fisheries
M
B
YCRF 2
Identify important fish habitat areas within the estuary and develop
planning and management policies and guidelines to protect and
improve fish habitat areas considering economic, social and cultural
facts as well as environmental.
DPI Fisheries
M
B
YCRF 3
Install information on fisheries requirements - e.g. minimum size, bag
limits etc. within the Yambuk Lake estuary.
DPI Fisheries
Fishcare
M
A
YCRF 4
Examine the level of by-catch from commercial fishing practices in the
Yambuk Lake estuary and wetlands.
DPI Fisheries
M
B
YCRF 5
Determine the economic value of recreational fishing at Yambuk Lake
estuary and wetlands.
DPI Fisheries
Fishcare
M
A, B
9.5 LOCAL GOVERNMENT PLANNING
OBJECTIVE:
Direct and control development to protect the values of the Yambuk Lake estuary and wetlands and
continue economic development within the framework of ecological sustainability.
TARGET:
Adoption of planning policy, zones and overlays into the Moyne Shire Planning Scheme that protect and
enhance the values of Yambuk Lake estuary and wetlands.
Action
Number
Lead
Strategy
Priority
Area
YP 1
Extend the current Environmental Significance Overlay to include areas
recommended by DSE's Sites of Biodiversity Significance Map.
MSC
VH
D
YP 2
Create a Floodway Control Overlay for the management plan area and
incorporate into the Moyne Shire Planning Scheme.
MSC
GHCMA
VH
D
Inform the community and developers on:
the planning scheme
l permit requirements.
MSC
H
D
YP 4
Develop local planning policy, for the management plan area that is
consistent with the objectives of the estuary management plan.
MSC
H
D
YP 5
Identify and develop appropriate zones and overlays for the
management plan area - consistent with new planning policy.
MSC
M
D
YP 6
Undertake notice procedures for amendments and put new policy,
zones and overlays on exhibition.
MSC
L
D
YP 7
Amend planning scheme, including incorporation of new zones and
overlays.
MSC
L
D
YP 3
l
Yambuk Lake Estuary and Wetlands Management Plan
65
9.6 MONITORING AND EVALUTION
OBJECTIVE:
Monitor and evaluate the health and functioning of the estuary and implementation of the management
plan.
TARGET:
Undertake an evaluation of the effectiveness of implementation of actions identified within this plan in
2009.
Action
Number
Lead
Strategy
Priority
Area
YME 1
Provide community monitors with opportunities to undertake
accredited training for Waterwatch and flora and fauna monitoring.
GHCMA, DSE
M
A, B, C
YME 2
Accredited community monitoring data to be included in the Atlas of
Victorian Wildlife and other relevant databases.
DSE, DPI
M
A, B, C
YME 3
Identify key indicators relevant to monitoring the ecological character
of the estuary.
GHCMA
H
B
YME 4
Establish monitoring and reporting programs for each of the key
indicators relevant to the ecological character of estuaries.
GHCMA
M
B
YME 5
Support programs that encourage transfer of information, knowledge
and skills between managers of Yambuk Lake estuary and wetlands.
GHCMA
WCB
H
A, B, C
YME 6
Review and update the management plan on an annual basis.
GHCMA
Ongoing
A, B, C
9.7 COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT AND CAPACITY BUILDING
OBJECTIVE:
Community engagement in the process of policy making, planning, decision-making and practical activities
focussed on the health of the estuary.
TARGET:
Increase awareness, understanding and involvement in the management of Yambuk Lake estuary and
wetlands.
Action
Number
66
Lead
Strategy
Priority
Area
YCE 1
Use the local media to publicise the management plan, results of
monitoring programs and issues of concern as they arise.
GHCMA,
DSE
M
On-going
D
YCE 2
Promote greater understanding, awareness and protection of the
Yambuk Lake estuary and wetlands in extension programs to
landholders and the community through educational and promotional
material.
GHCMA,
DSE
M
On-going
D
YCE 3
Conduct informative activities on responsible recreational fishing at
Yambuk Lake.
Fishcare
M
A, B, C
YCE 4
Consistent with broader estuary management in the region, install and
maintain information on fisheries management, including regulatory
requirements within the Yambuk Lake estuary.
DPI
FISHERIES
M
A
YCE 5
Identify opportunities and encourage community involvement in
ecological monitoring activities, such as an estuary watch program.
DSE & GHCMA H
On-going
B
YCE 6
Promote community participation in habitat protection and
enhancement works.
GHCMA
H
D
YCE 7
Inform the general community on activities that require Coastal
Management Act Consent.
DSE
H
A, B, C
YCE 8
Inform the general community on activities that require Works on
Waterways permits.
GHCMA
H
D
YCE 9
Develop community flora and fauna monitoring programs that
compliment the current DSE bird-monitoring program for the estuary
and wetland areas to determine seasonal and long-term changes in
species, distribution, abundance and utilisation.
GHCMA
H
A, B
YCE 10
Provide opportunities for involvement of the local community in
estuary management information and field days
GHCMA
H
B, C
YCE 11
Document the socio-environmental history of Yambuk Lake estuary and GHCMA
wetlands.
VH
A, B, C
YCE 12
Identify opportunities for two-way communication between the local
community and agencies.
VH
A, B, C
Yambuk Lake Estuary and Wetlands
All
Stakeholders
10. IMPLEMENTATION PROGRAM
Yambuk Lake Estuary and Wetlands Management Plan
67
10. IMPLEMENTATION PROGRAM
The following section provides a visual representation of the sequencing required for effective implementation of the
interdependent actions in Section 9.
Individual actions from Section 9 have been grouped together into flow diagrams according to the sub-heading in which
they are listed. These diagrams form groupings of actions that can be considered as specific programs and, when
implemented, will provide significant benefits in terms of efficient achievement of the management objectives identified
by the plan.
These implementation programs are shown one dimensionally, but important linkages exist between different programs.
For example, the Native Flora, Fauna And Habitat Program links to the Pest Plant and Animal Program as it is necessary
to control pest plants and animals before directing resources into revegetation. Steps to attract funding are also indicated
on the diagrams with arrows. In many cases, progress towards attaining objectives can be achieved through
implementing a combination of programs.
Many of the stand-alone actions in Section 9 are not dependant on any other actions for efficient implementation. As
such, they can be implemented in isolation at any stage.
Cross linkages between implementation programs are also indicated on the diagrams, and demonstrate that
implementation of a particular program can have positive spin-offs in terms of progress toward other objectives.
Actions identified at the start of implementation program diagrams are obviously of higher priority in terms of
implementation than those toward the end of the diagram.
68
Yambuk Lake Estuary and Wetlands Management Plan
10.1 HABITAT PROTECTION AND ENHANCEMENT PROGRAM
10.1.1 NATIVE FLORA, FAUNA AND HABITAT
Yambuk Lake Estuary and Wetlands Management Plan
69
10.1.2 LAND PURCHASE
70
River Catchment Strategy
70
10.1.3 FISH PASSAGE
10.1.4 RAMSAR LISTING
Yambuk Lake Estuary and Wetlands Management Plan
71
10.2 PEST PLANT AND ANIMALS CONTROL PROGRAM
10.2.1 PRIORITY SPECIES
72
Yambuk Lake Estuary and Wetlands
10.2.2 NEW AND EMERGING SPECIES
Yambuk Lake Estuary and Wetlands Management Plan
73
10.3 WATER QUALITY PROTECTION AND ENHANCEMENT PROGRAM
10.3.1 WATER QUALITY MONITORING
74
Yambuk Lake Estuary and Wetlands
10.4 SOILS, EROSION AND SEDIMENTATION
10.4.1 EROSION
Yambuk Lake Estuary and Wetlands Management Plan
75
10.5 LOCAL GOVERNMENT
76
Yambuk Lake Estuary and Wetlands
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Yambuk Lake Estuary and Wetlands Management Plan
77
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River Catchment Strategy
Yambuk Book Committee, (1994) Yambuk and District 1839-1994. Yambuk Book Committee, Warrnambool
PERSONAL COMMUNICATIONS
Amor, John (2004) personal communication March 9, 2004
Bishop, Kylie (2002) personal communication.
Bishop, Kylie (2004) personal communication.
Du Guesclin, Philip (2004) personal communication January 12, 2004.
Framlingham Aboriginal Trust (2003) personal communication. Letter to R. Henry Moyne Shire Council January 28,
2003, re: Comments, Draft Yambuk Lake Estuary and Wetlands Management Plan.
Gosden, Andrew (2004) personal communication March 9, 2004
Gray, Scott (2004) personal communication.
Maguire, D.; Sinnott, W. (2002) personal communication. Letter to R.Henry Moyne Shire Council August 14, 2002, re:
Draft Yambuk Lake Estuary and Wetlands Management Plan
Matthews, John. (2004) personal communication January 14, 2004
Parson, Wally. (2004) personal communication July, 28 2004
Sherwood, John, (2002) personal communication.
MINUTES
Yambuk Lake information session, presented by Glenelg Hopkins CMA, June 18, 2003
River Catchment Strategy
81
82
Yambuk Lake Estuary and Wetlands Management Plan
GLOSSARY
Yambuk Lake Estuary and Wetlands Management Plan
83
GLOSSARY
Actions - what needs to be done to maintain and enhance the values of the area.
Artificial - man-made; not occurring naturally; made in imitation of something natural.
Anoxic - waters are anoxic when they contain little or no oxygen. Waters that are anoxic cannot support life.
Benthos - the flora and fauna of the sea or lake bottom from high water mark down to the deepest levels (from
Lawrence 1989)
Biomass - total weight, volume or energy equivalent of organisms in a given area (from Lawrence 1989)
Diadromous - describes fish that use both freshwater and saltwater habitat in stages of their life history. Eels are an
excellent example - they live in freshwater for most of their life but breed in saltwater. Estuaries are vital for these
species as they need to migrate through estuaries to reach either fresh or saltwater.
Dissolved oxygen - oxygen in water is dissolved. Dissolved oxygen levels in water need to be higher than 5 mg/L to be
suitable for fish.
Eutrophication - From Lawrence (1989) eutrophication is the "excessive enrichment of a lake, etc. with nutrients,
resulting in growth of organisms and depletion of oxygen".
EVC - Ecological Vegetation Class. Ecological vegetation classes provide a guide to the plant community and individual
species that occur (or once occurred) in different parts of the landscape. Maps of the extent of EVCs before European
settlement and the current extent have been produced by DSE.
Flocculation - The process by which small particles of fine soils and sediments aggregate into larger lumps.
Hydrodynamics - this relates to how the water moves within the estuary. In estuaries it is also relates to the movement
and changes in freshwater and saltwater.
Land managers - are the persons or agencies responsible for managing the land in the area. In Section 9 where reference
is made to land manager, this includes land managers for both private and public land areas.
Littoral - growing or living near the sea shore (from Lawrence 1989). The littoral zone is the "zone of shallow water and
bottom above compensation depth (the depth at which photosynthesis cannot be supported) in lakes" (Lawrence 1989).
Macro-invertebrates - bugs that are large enough to be seen with the naked eye and that lack backbones
Morphology - the form and structure of the estuary
Natural - normal or to be expected; genuine or spontaneous; produced by nature; not created by human beings; not
synthetic.
Objectives - these are the "preferred future" of the estuary - that is, how we would like the estuary to be in the future
Photosynthesis - is the process by which plants use the sun's energy and carbon dioxide to make energy for growth.
Phytoplankton - plant plankton (from Lawrence 1989).
Plankton - usually small marine or freshwater plants (phytoplankton) and animals (zooplankton) drifiting with the
surrounding water (from Lawrence 1989).
PPT - parts per thousand. Usually the measurement of the salt content of water. Sea water has a salt concentration of
35ppt.
Public land managers - are those authorities, agencies or councils that have the responsibility for managing and
maintaining public and Crown land areas and facilities.
84
River Catchment Strategy
Riparian - frequenting, growing on, or living on the banks of streams or rivers (from Lawrence 1989)
Saltmarshes - wetland areas that are saline and subject to tidal influences, generally near the estuary mouth.
SEPP WoV - State Environment Protection Policy Waters of Victoria. This policy can be viewed on the EPA's website
http://www.epa.vic.gov.au
Stakeholders - are those groups or individuals that have an interest, which can be either economic, environmental,
social or cultural, in the management plan area.
Stratification - occurs in estuaries due to the difference in densities between salt and freshwater. The end result is a
layer of freshwater sitting on top of a saltwater layer.
Plankton - usually small marine or freshwater plants (phytoplankton) and animals (zooplankton) drifting with the
surrounding water (from Lawrence 1989)
Substrate - a surface on which an organism grows or is attached.
Targets - this is how we would like the estuary to be at the end of the five-year duration of the plan
Turbidity - high turbidity is caused by having large amounts of sediment or foreign particles either suspended in the
water column or stirred up by some activity. Sediment sources include erosion of land areas as well as erosion of river
banks.
River Catchment Strategy
85
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Yambuk Lake Estuary and Wetlands Management Plan
FURTHER INFORMATION
Yambuk Lake Estuary and Wetlands Management Plan
87
FURTHER INFORMATION
AAV - Aboriginal Affairs Victoria - www.dvc.vic.gov.au/aav.htm
CAMBA - China Australia Migratory Bird Agreement. - www.deh.gov.au/biodiversity/migratory/waterbirds
DEH - Department of Environment and Heritage (Federal Government Department). - www.deh.gov.au
DIMIA - Department of Immigration, Multicultural and Indigenous Affairs (Federal Government Department).
www.dimia.gov.au
DOI - Department of Infrastructure. - www.doi.vic.gov.au
DPI -Department of Primary Industries. - www.dpi.vic.gov.au
DSE - Department of Sustainability and Environment. - www.dse.vic.gov.au
DU - Deakin University. - www.deakin.edu.au
DVC - Department of Victorian Communities. - www.dvc.vic.gov.au
EPA - Environment Protection Authority. - www.epa.vic.gov.au
GHCMA - Glenelg Hopkins Catchment Management Authority - www.glenelg-hopkins.vic.gov.au
IPA - Indigenous Protected Area - www.deh.gov.au/indigenous/ipa
IUCN - World Conservation Union - www.iucn.org
JAMBA - Japan Australia Migratory Bird Agreement - www.deh.gov.au/biodiversity/migratory/waterbirds
LCC - Land Conservation Council - www.veac.vic.gov.au
MSC - Moyne Shire Council - www.moyne.vic.gov.au
NHT - Natural Heritage Trust - www.nht.gov.au
Orange - bellied Parrot Recovery Plan - www.deh.gov.au/biodiversity/threatened/recovery/orange-bel-parrot/index.html
PV - Parks Victoria - www.parkweb.vic.gov.au
SRW - Southern Rural Water - www.srw.com.au
TFN - Trust for Nature - www.tfn.org.au
VFF - Victorian Farmers Federation - www.vff.org.au
WCB - Western Coastal Board - www.westerncoastalboard.vic.gov.au
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Yambuk Lake Estuary and Wetlands Management Plan
APPENDICIES
Yambuk Lake Estuary and Wetlands Management Plan
89
APPENDICIES
A - RELEVANT LEGISLATION, STRATEGIES AND POLICIESCIES
Regional
90
Responsible
Agency
Moyne Shire Planning
Scheme
Moyne Shire Council
South West Estuaries
Coastal Action Plan
(2002)
Western Coastal Board • Sets out how and what to consider when preparing individual estuary
management plans.
South West Victoria
Regional Coastal
Action Plan (2002)
Western Coastal Board • Coastal Action Plans provide strategic coastal planning for the region
• Prepared by the Western Coastal Board
• Provides more detail for the area than the Victorian Coastal Strategy
Moyne Shire Coastal
Action Plan (2001)
Moyne Shire Council
• Provides more detail for the area than the Regional Coastal Action
Plan and the Victorian Coastal Strategy
Glenelg Hopkins
Regional Catchment
Strategy 2003 - 2007
Glenelg Hopkins CMA
• Prepared by the Glenelg Hopkins CMA and provides the primary
planning framework for land, water and biodiversity in the region
Glenelg Hopkins
Nutrient Management
Plan (2002)
Glenelg Hopkins CMA
• Prepared by the Glenelg Hopkins CMA to provide a framework for
nutrient management projects
Glenelg Hopkins Draft Glenelg Hopkins CMA
Native Vegetation Plan
(2003a)
• Prepared by the Glenelg Hopkins CMA under the state framework for
native vegetation management.
Glenelg Hopkins Draft
Wetland Management
Plan (2003b)
Glenelg Hopkins CMA
• Prepared by the Glenelg Hopkins CMA setting out an overview of the
region's wetlands along with strategies for protection and enhancement
of wetlands.
Glenelg Hopkins Weed Glenelg Hopkins CMA
Action Plan (2000a)
• Prepared by the Glenelg Hopkins CMA for managing pest plants within
the region
• Prepared by the Glenelg Hopkins CMA for managing rabbits within the
region.
Glenelg Hopkins
Rabbit Action Plan
(2000b)
Glenelg Hopkins CMA
Glenelg Hopkins River
Health Strategy (2004)
Glenelg Hopkins CMA
Yambuk Lake Estuary and Wetlands Management Plan
• Prepared by the Glenelg Hopkins CMA setting out strategies for
ecological sustainability and the restoration of environmental condition
in the region. Prepared under the Victorian River Health Strategy.
A - RELEVANT LEGISLATION, STRATEGIES AND POLICIES
Resposible
Agency
State
Victorian Coastal
Strategy (2002)
Victorian Coastal
Council
• Prepared under the Coastal Management Act 1995 to guide planning
objectives on the Victorian coast.
• Provides strategic direction for planning and management of the whole
coast
• Integrates state, national and international principles and policies for
the coast.
Victoria's Biodiversity
Strategy (1997)
DSE
• Forms a key step in the FFG program, shows how to achieve the Flora
and Fauna Guarantee Act's objectives of conserving native species,
communities and gene pools, preventing threats and encouraging
community involvement.
Victoria's Native
Vegetation
Management - A
Framework for Action
(2002)
DSE
• The broad purpose of this framework is to achieve a net gain in extent
and quality of native vegetation across the state.
Coastal Management
Act 1995
DSE
• Provides for the co-ordinated and strategic planning of Victoria's
coastal resources
• Established the coastal boards
• Provides for the preparation of the Victorian Coastal Strategy and
Coastal Action Plans
• Requires consent for the use and development of Crown land
Crown Land (Reserves) DSE
Act 1978
• Provides for the reservation of Crown lands and the management of
those lands
Planning and
Environment Act 1987
DOI
• Established to provide a framework for planning the use, development
and protection of land in Victoria.
Water Act 1989
Glenelg Hopkins CMA
• Provides for the integrated management of all elements of the
terrestrial phase of the water cycle and promotes the orderly, equitable
and efficient use of water resources.
Catchment and Land
Protection Act 1994
DSE / DPI
• Established the catchment management authorities
Flora and Fauna
Guarantee Act 1988
DSE
• The key piece of Victorian legislation for the conservation of
threatened species and communities and for the management of
potentially threatening processes
Wildlife Act 1975
DSE
• Provides for the protection and conservation of wildlife and the
prevention of taxa from becoming extinct.
Archaeological and
Aboriginal Relics
Preservation Act 1972
DVC
• Provides for the protection of archaeological and Aboriginal relics.
Victorian River Health DSE
Strategy (2002)
• The VRHS provides the framework for regional communities to make
decisions on river protection and restoration and to find the balance
between river use and maintaining their ecological condition.
Fisheries Act 1995
DPI
• Provides for the management and conservation of Victorian fisheries
resources, habitats and ecosystems.
• Aims to facilitate access to fisheries resources for commercial,
recreational, traditional and non-consumptive uses.
Land Conservation
(Vehicle Control) Act
1972
DSE
• Controls vehicle traffic on public land to aid in the prevention of soil
erosion and damage. This includes vast areas of the coastal zone.
Yambuk Lake Estuary and Wetlands Management Plan
91
A - RELEVANT LEGISLATION, STRATEGIES AND POLICIES
Responsible
Agency
Federal
Commonwealth
DEH
Environment
Protection and
Biodiversity
Conservation Act 1999
China Australia
Migratory Bird
Agreement (CAMBA)
DEH
• Agreement between China and Australia for the protection of
migratory birds
Japan Australia
Migratory Bird
Agreement (JAMBA)
DEH
• Agreement between Japan and Australia for the protection of
migratory birds
Aboriginal and Torres DIMIA
Strait Islander Heritage
Protection Act 1984
92
• Provide for the protection of the environment, especially those aspects
of the environment that are matters of national significance, and
promotes ecologically sustainable development
Yambuk Lake Estuary and Wetlands Management Plan
• Provides for the preservation and protection of places, areas and
objects in Australia and Australian waters that are places, areas or
objects of particular significance to Aborigines in accordance with
Aboriginal tradition.
B - LEAD MANAGEMENT AGENCIES AND THEIR KEY
RESPONSIBILITIES
Agency
Responsibility
Local Agency
Responsibility
Department of
Sustainability and
Environment (DSE)
- incorporating
Coast Action/
Coast Care
Provide strategic direction for: park
DSE Warrnambool
and reserve management; management and Portland
of flora and fauna; catchment
management; coastal and port
management; land-use planning;
related research, and the
implementation of the Ramsar
Convention in Victoria.
Provides policy advice for the
management of the Yambuk Lake
estuary and wetlands, including the
appropriateness of artificial openings
of the estuary entrance. Responsible
for land-use planning. CA/CC
responsible for raising community
awareness of coastal issues.
Department of
Primary Industries
(DPI)
Fisheries management, management of DPI Warrnambool
pest plants and animals, agricultural
and Portland
services, licence management and
related areas of research.
Management of commercial and
recreational fishing.
Parks Victoria
Manages parks and reserves.
Parks Victoria
(Warrnambool and
Portland)
Manages the Yambuk Lake Wildlife
Reserve, western shoreline and the bed
of the Eumeralla River.
Local government
Regulates local development through
planning schemes and on-ground
works and manage urban drainage.
Moyne Shire
Council
Administer the Moyne Shire Planning
Scheme.
Committees of
management
Manage reserved Crown land on behalf Moyne Shire
of the Minister. Committees are usually Council
the local shire or appointed by the
minister.
Manage the eastern shoreline, north of
the entrance to Yambuk Lake.
Victorian
Catchment
Management
Council
Advises State Government on
Glenelg Hopkins
catchment management and land and CMA
water resource issues and priorities.
Encourages co-operation between land
and water managers. Promotes
community awareness on catchment
management issues.
Implements the Regional Catchment
Strategy. Prepares and implements
action plans. Manages surrounding
catchment and in-flowing streams and
drainage.
Environment
Protection
Authority
Co-ordinates all activities relating to
EPA (Geelong)
discharge of waste into the
environment and the generation,
storage, treatment, transport and
disposal of industrial waste and the
emission of noise and for preventing or
controlling pollution and noise and
protecting and improving the quality
of the environment.
Licences sewerage and other
discharges. Monitors water quality.
Victorian Coastal
Council
Strategic state-wide coastal planning,
preparation of the Victorian Coastal
Strategy; advises the Minister,
monitors development of coastal
action plans; co-ordinates the
implementation of Victorian Coastal
Strategy and coastal action plans.
Develop coastal action plans and
guidelines for coastal planning and
management within the region;
provides advice to the Minister and
councils on coastal development
within the region; implements and
facilitates public awareness of the
Victorian Coastal Strategy, coastal
action plans and coastal guidelines.
Western Coastal
Board (Geelong)
Yambuk Lake Estuary and Wetlands Management Plan
93
C - NATIVE AND INTRODUCED VEGETATION, ECOLOGICAL
VEGETATION CLASSES
EVCS
Information on the ecological vegetation classes of the Yambuk Lake estuary and wetlands area was compiled from a
GIS analysis of the Flora Information System (NRE 2001). √ in the Regional Significance column designates a flora species
of regional significance.
EVC
•Damp Sands Herb-rich Woodland
•Estuarine Wetland
•Swamp Scrub
•Coastal Dune Scrub
•Shallow freshwater marsh
•Deep freshwater marsh
•Aquatic Herbland
•Freshwater Meadow
•Permanent Saline
•Damp Sands Herb-rich Woodland / Damp Heathland / Damp Heathy Woodland
•Swamp Scrub / Aquatic Herbland
•Plains Grassy Wetland
•Private Land - no tree cover
94
Yambuk Lake Estuary and Wetlands Management Plan
Yambuk Lake Estuary and Wetlands Management Plan
95
0
2.5
N
5
Damp sands herb-rich woodland
Estuarine wetlands
Swamp scrub
Coastal dune scrub
Shallow freshwater marsh
Aquatic herbland
Freshwater meadow
Deep freshwater marsh
Permanent saline
Shallow freshwater marsh/Floodplain thicket mosaic
Swamp scrub/Aquatic herbland
Yambuk Lake Estuary and Wetlands Pre 1750 EVC Map
NATIVE VEGETATION - (FROM MURPHY 2000)
Scientific Name
Acacia sophorae
Coast Wattle
Acaena echinate
Sheeps Burr
Acaena novae-zelandiae
Actites megalocarpa
Misty Bent
Sea Celery
Austrodanthonia
caespitosa
Austrostipa flavescens
Azolla filiculoides
Baumea juncea
Beyeria lechenaultii
TWV
EPBC
Regional
Significance
•
Dune Thistle
Apium prostratum
Asperula conferata
FFG Listed
Bidgee-widgee
Agrostis venusta
Arthropodium strictum
Chocolate Lily
•
•
Common Woodruff
Common Wallaby-grass
•
Coast Spear-grass
•
Pacific Azolla
Bare Twig-sedge
Pale Turpentine Bush
•
Caesia calliantha
Blue Grass-lily
•
Carpobrotus rossii
Karkalla
Clematis microphylla
Convolvulus erubescens
Small-leaved Clematis
Pink Bindweed
•
Cotula australis
Common Cotula
Crassula sieberiana
Sieber Crassula
•
Daucus glochidatus
Austral Carrot
•
Dianella tasmanica
Tasman Flax-lily
Dichondra repens
Kidney-weed
Euchiton collinus s.s.
Creeping Cudweed
Gahnia trifida
Coast Saw-sedge
Geranium solanderi s.1
Austral Cranesbill
Glycine clandestina
Isolepis nodosa
Twining Glycine
•
•
Knobby Club-sedge
Isolepis platycarpa
Broad-fruit Club-sedge
•
Isotoma fluviatilis
Swamp Isotome
•
Juncus bufonius
Toad Rush
Juncus kraussii
Sea Rush
Lepidosperma gladiatum
Coast Sword-sedge
Leptospermum lanigerum
Woolly Tea-tree
Leucophyta brownii
Leucopogon parviflorus
Cushion Bush
Coast Beard-heath
Lobelia anceps
Angled Lobelia
Lobelia irrigua
Salt Pratia
Lobelia pedunculata s.1
Matted Pratia
Melaleuca squarrose
Scented Paperbark
Microlaena stipoides
Weeping Grass
Microtis unifolia
96
Common Name
Common Onion-orchid
Yambuk Lake Estuary and Wetlands Management Plan
•
Scientific Name
Myosotis australis
Common Name
Austral Forget-me-not
Olearia axillaris
Coast Daisy-bush
Ozothamnus turbinatus
Coast Everlasting
Pelargonium australe
Austral Storks-bill
Phragmites australis
Common Reed
Pimelea serpyllifolia
Thyme Rice-flower
Poa labillardierei
Poa poiformis
EPBC
Regional
Significance
•
•
•
Blue Tussock-grass
Austral Bracken
Rhagodia candolleana
Seaberry Saltbush
Sarcocornia quinqueflora
TWV
Common Tussock-grass
Pteridium esculentum
Ruppia maritima
FFG Listed
Sea Tassel
Beaded Glasswor
Scaevola albida
Pale Fan-flower
•
Schoenus nitens
Shiny Bog-sedge
•
Variable Groundsel
•
Hairy Spinifex
•
Senecia pinnatifolius
Spinifex sericeus
Sporobolus virginicus
Salt Couch
•
Coast Stackhousia
•
Swamp Starwort
•
Swainsona lessertiifolia
Coast Swainson-pea
•
Tetragonia implexicoma
Bower Spinach
Themeda triandra
Kangaroo Grass
Triglochin procerum
Water Ribbons
Stackhousia spathulata
Stellaria angustifolia
Urtica incisa
Scrub Nettle
Veronica gracilis
Slender Speedwell
Wahlenbergia gracilis
Sprawling Bluebell
Zostera capricorni
•
•
Eelgrass
Yambuk Lake Estuary and Wetlands Management Plan
97
INTRODUCED VEGETATION
Scientific Name
Common Name
Acetosella vulgaris
Sheep Sorrel
Ammophila arenaria
Marram Grass
Anagallis arvensis
Anthoxanthum odoratum
Pimpernel
Sweet Vernal-grass
Aphanes arevesis
Parsley Piert
Arctotheca calendula
Cape Weed
Avellinia michelii
Briza minor
Bromus diandrus
Avellinia
Lesser Quaking-grass
Greater Brome
Bromus hordeaceus
Soft Brome
Cakile maritima
Sea Rocket
Carduus tenuiflorus
Winged Thistle
Centaurium pulchellum
Lesser Centaury
Cerastium spp.
Mouse-ear Chickweed
Cirsium vulgare
Spear Thistle
Cotula coronopifolia
Water Buttons
Critesion murinum
Wall Barley-grass
Dipsacus fullonum
Wild Teasel
Echium plantagineum
Paterson's curse
Erodium cicutarium
Common Herons-bill
Euphorbia paralias
Sea Spurge
Geraniums molle
Dovesfoot
Gladiolus undulates
Wild Gladiolus
Holcus lanatus
Yorkshire Fog
Hypochoeris glabra
Smooth Cats-ear
Hypochoeris radicata
Flatweed
Juncus acutus
Spiny Rush
Lolium rigidum
Wimmera Rye-grass
Lycium ferocissimum
African Boxthorn
Medicago minima
Little Medic
Moraea miniata
Two-leaf Cape-tulip
Oxalis corniculata s.1
Yellow Wood-sorrel
Phalaris paradoxa
Paradoxical Canary-grass
Plantago coronopus
Bucks-horn Plantain
Polypogon maritimus
Coast Beard-grass
Rorippa nasturtium-aquaticum
Two-row Water-cress
Rosa rubiginosa
Sweet Briar
Rumex crispus
Curled Dock
Senecia elegans
Purple Groundsel
Senecio jacobaea
98
Ragwort
Sherardia arvensis
Field Madder
Silybum marianum
Variegated Thistle
Yambuk Lake Estuary and Wetlands Management Plan
Environmental
CALP
Scientific Name
Common Name
Sisymbrium officinale
Hedge Mustard
Solanum sodomaeum
Apple of Sodom
Sonchus asper s.1
Rough Sow-thistle
Taraxacum officinale spp. agg
Garden Dandelion
Trifolium dubium
Suckling Clover
Trifolium pratense
Red Clover
Trifolium subterraneum
Ulex europaeus
Urtica urens
Environmental
CALP
Subterranean Clover
Gorse
Small Nettle
Yambuk Lake Estuary and Wetlands Management Plan
99
D - BIRD SPECIES
ABBREVIATIONS
TWV - Threatened Wildlife Victoria
LR - Lower risk (near threatened)
Vul - Vulnerable
End - Endangered
Ins - insufficiently known, or data deficient
Cmp - comprises several taxa
FFG - Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988
L - listed
N - nominated for listing
EPBC - Environment Protection and Biodiversity Act
Cen - Critically Endangered
Common Name
Scientific Name
TWV
Casuariidae
Emu
Dromiaus novaehollandiae
Phasianidae
BrownQuail
Coturnix ypsilophora
Phasianidae
Stubble Quail
Coturnix pectoralis
Anseranatidae
Magpie Goose
Anseranas semipalmata
End
Anatidae
Australasian Shoveler
Anas rhynchotis
Vul
Anatidae
Australian Shelduck
Tadorna tadornoides
Anatidae
Australian Spotted
Crake
Pozana fluminea
Anatidae
Australian Wood Duck
Chenonetta jubata
Anatidae
Black Swan
Cygnus atratus
Anatidae
Blue-billed Duck
Oxyura australis
Anatidae
Chestnut Teal
Anas castanea
Anatidae
Freckled Duck
Stictonetta naevosa
Anatidae
Grey Teal
Anas gracilis
Anatidae
Hardhead
Aytya australis
Vul
Anatidae
Musk Duck
Biziura lobata
Vul
Anatidae
Pacific Black Duck
Anas superciliosa
Anatidae
Pink-eared Duck
Podicipedidae
Great-crested Grebe
Podicipedidae
Hoary-headed Grebe
Spheniscidae
Little Penguin
Eudyptula minor
Procellariidae
Short Tailed Shearwater
Puffinus tenuirostris
Diomedeidae
Yellow-Nosed Albatross
Phalacrocoracidae
100
N
Vul
L
End
L
Malacorhynchus membranaceus
Australasian Grebe
Anhingidae
Ins
Tachybaptus novaehollandiae
Podicipedidae
Sulidae
FFG
Podiceps cristatus
Poliocephalus poliocephalus
Thalassarche chlororhynchos
Australasian Gannet
Morus serrator
Darter
Anhinga melanogaster
Great Cormorant
Phalacrocorax carbo
Yambuk Lake Estuary and Wetlands Management Plan
Vul
Vul
L
EPBC
Camba /
Jamba
Common Name
Scientific Name
Phalacrocoracidae
Little Black Cormorant
Phalacrocorax sulcirostris
Phalacrocoracidae
Little Pied Cormorant
Phalacrocorax melanoleucos
Phalacrocoracidae
Pied Cormorant
Phalacrocorax varius
Australian Pelican
Pelecanus conspicillatus
Ardeidae
Australasian Bittern
Botaurus poiciloptilus
Ardeidae
Cattle Egret
Ardea ibis
Pelecanidae
TWV
FFG
EPBC
Camba /
Jamba
LR
End
L
CJ
Ardeidae
Great Egret
Ardea alba
Ardeidae
Intermediate Egret
Ardea intermedia
Ardeidae
Little Egret
Egretta garzetta
CEn
Ardeidae
Nankeen Night Heron
Nycticorax caledonicus
Vul
Ardeidae
Pacific Heron
Ardea pacifica
Ardeidae
White-faced Heron
Egretta novaehollandiae
Threskiornithidae
Australian White Ibis
Threskiornis molucca
Threskiornithidae
Royal Spoonbill
Platalea regia
Threskiornithidae
Sacred Ibis
Threskiornis aethiopica
Threskiornithidae
Straw-necked Ibis
Threskiornis spinicollis
Threskiornithidae
Yellow-Billed Spoonbill
Platalea flavipes
Accipitridae
Black-shouldered Kite
Elanus axillaris
Accipitridae
Brown Goshawk
Accipiter fasciatus
Accipitridae
Collared Sparrowhawk
Accipter cirrhocephalus
Accipitridae
Swamp Harrier
Circus approximans
Accipitridae
Wedge-tailed Eagle
Aquila audax
Accipitridae
Whistling Kite
Haliastur sphenurus
Accipitridae
White Bellied Sea Eagle
Haliaeetus leucogaste
Accipitridae
Little Eagle
Hieraaetus morphnoides
Falconidae
Brown Falcon
Falco berigora
Falconidae
Australian Hobby
Falco longipennis
End
L
CJ
L
L
Nankeen Kestrel
Falco cenchroides
Rallidae
Australian Spotted
Crake
Porzana fluminea
Rallidae
Black-tailed Native Hen
Gallinula ventralis
Rallidae
Dusky Moorhen
Gallinula tenebrosa
Rallidae
Eurasian Coot
Fulicia atra
Rallidae
Lewin's Rail
Rallus pectoralis
Rallidae
Purple Swamphen
Porphyrio porphyrio
Rallidae
Spotless Crake
Porzana tabuensis
Scolopacidae
Common Greenshank
Tringa nebularia
CJ
Scolopacidae
Common Sandpiper
Actitis hypoleucos
CJ
Scolopacidae
Curlew Sandpiper
Calidris ferruginea
CJ
Falconidae
L
Yambuk Lake Estuary and Wetlands Management Plan
101
Common Name
Scientific Name
TWV
FFG
EPBC
Camba /
Jamba
Scolopacidae
Great Knot
Calidris tenuirostris
Scolopacidae
Marsh Sandpiper
Tringa stagnatilis
CJ
Scolopacidae
Red-necked Stint
Calidris ruficollis
CJ
Scolopacidae
Sanderling
Calidris alba
Scolopacidae
Sharp-tailed Sandpiper
Calidris acuminata
Rostratulidae
Painted Snipe
Rostratula benghalensis
Haematopodidae
Pied Oystercatcher
Haematopus longirostris
Haematopodidae
Sooty Oystercatcher
Haematopus fuliginosus
Banded Stilt
Recurvirostridae
Black-winged Stilt
Himantopus himantopus
Charadriidae
Pacific Golden Plover
Pluvialis fulva
Charadriidae
Banded Lapwing
Vanellus tricolor
Charadriidae
Black-fronted Dotterel
(also known as
Black-fronted Plover)
Elseyornis melanops
Charadriidae
Double-banded Plover
Charadrius bicinctus
Charadriidae
Grey Plover
Pluvialis squatarola
Charadriidae
Hooded Plover
Thinornis rubricollis
Charadriidae
Masked Lapwing
Vanellus miles
Charadriidae
Red-kneed Dotterel
Erythrogonys cinctus
Charadriidae
Red-capped Plover
Charadrius ruficapillus
Laridae
Caspian Tern
Sterna caspia
Laridae
Crested Tern
Sterna bergii
Laridae
Kelp Gull
Larus dominicanus
Laridae
Pacific Gull
Larus pacificus
Laridae
Silver Gull
Larus novaehollandiae
Laridae
Whiskered Tern
Chlidonias hybridus
Cacatuidae
Galah
Cacatua roseicapilla
Cacatuidae
Long-billed Corella
Cacatua tenuiostris
Psittacidae
Crimson Rosella
Platycercus elegans
Psittacidae
Blue-winged Parrot
Neophema chrysotoma
Psittacidae
Orange-bellied Parrot
Neophema chrysogaster
Cuculidae
Fan-tailed Cuckoo
Cacomantis pyrrhophanus
Cuculidae
Horsefield's Bronze
Cuckoo
Chrysococcyx basalis
Cuculidae
Pallid Cuckoo
Culculus pallidus
Apodidae
Fork-tailed Swift
Apus pacificus
Apodidae
White-throated
Needletail
Hirundapus caudacutus
Maluridae
Southern Emu-wren
Stipiturus malachurus
Maluridae
Superb Fairy-wren
Malurus cyaneus
Brown Thornbill
Acanthiza pusilla
102
L
CJ
LR
CJ
CJ
End
L
C
LR
Cladorhynchus leucocephalus
Recurvirostridae
Pardalotidae
End
Yambuk Lake Estuary and Wetlands Management Plan
CJ
End
L
LR
LR
LR
CEn
L
CEn
Common Name
Scientific Name
Pardalotidae
White-browed
Scrubwren
Sericornis frontalis
Pardalotidae
Striated Fieldwren
Sericornis fuliginosus
Pardalotidae
Yellow-rumped
Thornbill
Acanthiza chrysorrhoa
Meliphagidae
New Holland
Honeyeater
Meliphagidae
Red Wattlebird
Anthochaera carunculata
Meliphagidae
Singing Honeyeater
Lichenostomus virescens
Meliphagidae
FFG
EPBC
Camba /
Jamba
Phylidonyris novaehollandiae
White-fronted Chat
Epthianura albifrons
Petroicidae
Brown Flycatcher
Microeca fascinans
Petroicidae
Flame Robin
Petroica phoenicea
Dicruridae
Grey Fantail
Rhipidura fuliginosa
Dicruridae
Magpie Lark
Grallina cyanoleuca
Dicruridae
Willie Wagtail
Rhipidura leucophyrus
Campephagidae
Black-faced
Cuckoo-Shrike
Coracina novaehollandiae
Artamidae
Australian Magpie
Gymnorhina tibicen
Corvidae
Australian Raven
Corvus coronoides
Corvidae
Little Raven
Corvus mellori
Alaudidae
Skylark
Alauda arvensis
Motacillidae
Richards Pipit
Anthus novaeseelandiae
Passeridae
House Sparrow
Passer domesticus
Fringillidae
European Goldfinch
Carduelis carduelis
Fringillidae
European Greenfinch
Carduelis chloris
Hirundinidae
Fairy Martin
Hirundo ariel
Hirundinidae
Tree Martin
Hirundo nigricans
Hirundinidae
Welcome Swallow
Hirundo neoxena
Sylviidae
Brown Songlark
Cincloramphus cruralis
Sylviidae
Clamorous Reed
Warbler
Acrocephalus stentoreus
Sylviidae
Golden-headed
Cisticola
Cisticola exilis
Sylviidae
Little Grassbird
Megalurus gramineus
Zosteropidae
Silvereye
Zosterops lateralis
Muscicapidae
Common Blackbird
Turdus merula
Common Starling
Sturnus vulgaris
Sturnidae
TWV
Yambuk Lake Estuary and Wetlands Management Plan
103
E - FISH SPECIES RECORDED AT YAMBUK LAKE.
Information on the fish species record for Yambuk Lake estuary and wetlands came from a variety of sources including
the Atlas of Victorian Wildlife, Besley (2000), Bishop (2002), Llewellyn (1974) and Tyndall (2001).
Common Name
Scientific Name
Australian Salmon
Arripis truttaceus
Australian Smelt
Retropinna semoni
Bay Flounder
Ammoitretus rostratus
Black Bream
Acanthropagus butcheri
Blue-Spotted Goby
Psuedogobius sp
Bridled Goby
Amoya bifrenatus
Brown Trout
Salmo trutta
Common Galaxias
Galaxias maculatus
Dwarf Galaxias
Galaxiella pusilla
East Australian Salmon
Arripis trutta
Estuary perch
Macquaria colonorum
Flatheaded Gudgeon
Philypnodon grandicpes
Lagoon Goby
Tasmanogobius lasti
Mulloway
Argyosomus japonicus
Sea Mullet
Mugil cephalus
Short-finned Eel
Anguilla australis
Silver Trevally
Pseudocarnx dentex
Small Mouthed Hardyhead
Atherinosoma microstoma
Southern Pygmy Perch
Nannoperca australis
Swan River Goby
Pseudgobius olorum
Tamar River Goby
Afurcagobius tamarensis
Tench
Tinca tinca
Tupong
Pseudaphritis urvillii
Yarra Pygmy Perch
Nannoperca obscura
Yellow-eyed Mullet
Aldrichetta forsteri
104
Yambuk Lake Estuary and Wetlands Management Plan
TWV
FFG
EPBC
L
Vul
Vul
L
LR
End
PERMIT AND CONDITIONS: WORKS ON A WATERWAY
RIVER MOUTH OPENING
F - WORKS ON WATERWAYS LICENCE FOR ARTIFICIAL RIVER
MOUTH OPENING OF EUMERALLA RIVER - 2004
1. The works shall be constructed in accordance with the plans submitted with the application and using sound
engineering principles.
2. The waterway shall not be deviated from the natural channel in any manner during clearing of the obstruction,
except with the specific approval of Glenelg Hopkins CMA. If necessary, the flow shall be pumped around the
construction site or construction undertaken in stages with flow confined to one portion of the waterway.
3. Disturbance of the bed and banks of the waterway and the use of construction plant and equipment is to be kept
to a minimum during construction. Removal, destruction or lopping of native vegetation is also to be kept to a
minimum. Suitable conservation measures are to be implemented to prevent vegetation, silt, chemicals and spillage
from clearing activities either entering the waterway or moving downstream. No discharge/dumping of wastewater
or other materials to the waterway is permitted, unless specifically authorised by the Authority.
4. Disturbed bank areas shall be graded to remove humps and hollows and top soiled and planted with locally
occurring native species of grasses and shrubs.
5. Vegetation that has been cleared for construction purposes and any heaps of excavated soil remaining after the
completion of the works shall be removed from site. No material of any sort shall be pushed into the waterway or
left in a manner where it can slip or be moved by floodwaters, into the waterway.
6. Any works in the bed of the waterway should be designed and constructed so as not to impede fish passage.
7. Logs and boulders removed from the waterway as a result of clearing activity should be returned to the waterway
and randomly distributed.
8. The works shall always be maintained in good order.
9. It is the responsibility of the person issued with this permit to obtain the necessary approval of the works before
their commencement:
a) from the relevant planning authority;
b) from the Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE) in relation to the Coastal Management Act, Land Act
1958, Forests Act 1958 the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988, the Conservation, Forests and Land Act 1987 and the
Catchment and Land Protection Act 1994.
10. That the applicant provide Glenelg Hopkins CMA with the following information prior to each opening:
a) Water quality test results as specified under general condition 14
b) Fauna survey results
c) Water level
d) Proposed date and time of opening
Yambuk Lake Estuary and Wetlands Management Plan
105
11. That the applicant report in writing to Glenelg Hopkins CMA no later than two weeks from the date of the opening
on the success of the River Mouth Opening including:
a) Any issues that arise in relation to any of the conditions
b) Copy of water quality test results prior and post river mouth opening as specified under general condition 14
c) Timing issues under general condition 12
d) The water level prior to opening
e) Any environmental impacts that occurred
f) Date and time of opening
12. When considering the appropriate time for the mouth opening works to commence, the applicant should consider
the following conditions:
a) Whether substantial break or change in the weather has occurred in the upper catchment
b) The presence of significant in-stream flows moving towards the river mouth
c) Offshore winds
d) Tidal conditions
e) Time of year
f) Social activities on the river
g) Possible effects on wildlife values e.g. Nesting water bird survey and fish spawning behaviour / habitat
h) Water quality (see condition 14 below)
i) Long term effects
13. All works are to be supervised by the Licensee, in consultation with DSE and are to be completed to the
satisfaction of Glenelg Hopkins CMA and DSE. In this regard, the following officers are to be contacted in advance
of works commencing:
Andrew Gosden
Linda Grant
DSE
Glenelg Hopkins CMA
78 Henna Street
79 French Street
Warrnambool VIC 3280
Hamilton VIC 3300
Ph: 5561 9956
Ph: 5571 2526
14. Monitoring of water quality (Dissolved Oxygen profile (DO), Electrical Conductivity profile (EC), and
temperature) must be done pre and post artificial river mouth opening, dissolved oxygen and conductivity are
required to be repeated once, 24-48 hours after artificially opening the river mouth; water level is to be monitored
12 hourly for 48-72 hours post Artificial River Mouth Opening.
15 Should any archaeological relics or evidence be discovered during the course of the works, the person
discovering the relics or evidence must notify the Executive Director of Heritage Victoria as soon as practicable,
and works suspended until advice from Heritage Victoria is received.
16. That works or work access cease immediately upon the discovery of any Aboriginal cultural material, and
Aboriginal Affairs Victoria be immediately notified of any such discovery.
106
Yambuk Lake Estuary and Wetlands Management Plan
17. That works or access to works cease immediately upon the discovery of any suspected human remains, the
Police or State Coroner's Office must be informed of the discovery without delay. If there are reasonable grounds
to suspect that the remains are Aboriginal, the discovery must also be reported to Aboriginal Affairs Victoria.
18. That Officers of Aboriginal Affairs Victoria shall be permitted access to the site at any reasonable time, for the
purpose of monitoring adherence to Conditions 15 and 16.ny Aboriginal cultural material, and Aboriginal Affairs
Victoria be immediately notified of any such discovery.
SPECIAL CONDITONS
1. The Eumeralla River Mouth shall not be artificially opened until the water level is above 1.45 AHD as marked on
the gauging board at the jetty next to the boat ramp.
2. That at times when Lake Yambuk provides drought refuge for water birds, the river mouth opening should not
occur.
3. That the applicant provides written reports and recommendations in relation to drought refuge and oxygen
levels in the water prior to commencement of works.
4. That the applicant contact Neil Martin (Framlingham Aboriginal Trust) on 55 671 003 and arrange to employ a
community representative to monitor access and excavation works if required.
5. That works cease immediately upon the discovery of any aboriginal cultural material, and Aboriginal Affairs
Victoria be immediately notified of any such discovery.
6. That works or access to works cease immediately upon the discovery of any suspected human remains. The Police
or State Coroner's Office must be informed of the discovery without delay. If there are reasonable grounds to
suspect that the remains are Aboriginal, the discovery must also be reported to Aboriginal Affairs Victoria.
7. That the officers of Aboriginal Affairs Victoria shall be permitted access to the site at any reasonable time, for
the purpose of monitoring adherence to the purpose of monitoring adherence to Conditions 3, 4 and 5 above.
Yambuk Lake Estuary and Wetlands Management Plan
107
G - PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL WATER QUALITY MONITORING.
Chemical monitoring
Season
Parameters
Frequency
Sites
Comments
Winter - Spring
June to November
Total Nitrogen (TN),
Total Phosphorus (TP),
Turbidity; Flow rate (Q)
Monthly
1 site at
freshwater
limit
Allows for nutrient
inputs from
catchment to be
approximated
Winter - Spring
June to November
Turbidity NTU;
Total Dissolved Solids,
Dissolved Oxygen;
Temperature
Monthly
profiles
3 Estuary
sits
Profiles are to be
done at
each estuary site:
a mid-surface layer to
identify any
occurrence of
stratification
Turbidity NTU;
Total Dissolved Solids,
Dissolved Oxygen;
Temperature
Monthly
profiles
3 Estuary
sits
Profiles are to be
done at
each estuary site:
a mid-surface layer to
identify any
occurrence of
stratification
All year
Water height
Daily
Yambuk Lake, community
gauge board monitoring of daily
on the jetty
water height.
at car park
All year
River Mouth State
Daily
River mouth
`
Summer - Autumn
December to May
`
Phsical monitoring
community
monitoring of river
mouth: state - closed,
breaking out, open
etc.
H - STATE ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION POLICY GUIDELINES FOR
VICTORIAN ESTUARIES
Total P
Total
inorganic
P
Total N
Dissolved
inorganic
N
Chlorophyll Dissolved
Transparency Suspended Turbidity
A
Oxygen
/ Par
Solids\
attenuation
(µg/L)
(µg/L)
(µg/L)
(µg/L)
(µg/L)
75
75
75
75
75
percentile
percentile
percentile
percentile
percentile
e
e
e
-<30
-<5
-<300
TH
Esuaries
and
Inlets
TH
TH
TH
TH
%
(µg/L)
(NTU)
75
75
75TH
percentile
percentile
percentile
->R25
->R75
->R75
M
Annual Annual
max min
TH
TH
e
-<30
-<4
80
110
R75 and R25 means that a single objective value could not be specified due to a lack of data or a variability of data
collected in a segment. For these areas, the objective needs to be calculated and is the 75TH and 25TH percentile of
data collected at reference sites. Reference sites are sites within segments that characterise background (or
natural) levels, desirable conditions or the best available sites in that segment.
108
Yambuk Lake Estuary and Wetlands Management Plan
Yambuk Lake Estuary and Wetlands Management Plan
109
Glenelg Hopkins CMA
79 French Street, Hamilton, Vic 3300
Tel: (03) 5571 2526 Fax: (03) 5571 2935
A copy of the Yambuk Management Plan is also available on the
internet at:
www.glenelg-hopkins.vic.gov.au