lot 44 dp 30186 - blacktown.nsw.gov.au · in 1992 he was awarded a churchill fellowship to study in...

Dam Ecological Values-

Woodlots & Wetlands Pty Ltd i

DAM ECOLOGICAL VALUES ON

LOT 44 DP 30186

163 TALLAWONG ROAD,

ROUSE HILL

Prepared by

Woodlots & Wetlands Pty Ltd

220 Purchase Rd

Cherrybrook 2126

Phone: 94842700

Email: [email protected]


Woodlots & Wetlands Pty Ltd ii

Document Registration Client

CLEARSTATE

Level 1, 79-81 Chandos Street

St Leonards, NSW 2065

Prepared By Woodlots & Wetlands

220 Purchase Rd

Cherrybrook 2126

Phone: 94842700

Mobile: 0427905440

Email [email protected]

Date Issued 29th March 2018.

Document File name Report on dam ecological values

Document Title DAM ECOLOGICAL VALUES ON LOT 44 DP 30186

163 TALLAWONG ROAD, ROUSE HILL Document Registered By Peter Bacon

Principal Consultant

Copyright © and acknowledgements The current document is in support of the granting of permission to dewater a farm dam on lot 44, DP 30186, 163 Tallawong Road, Rouse Hill. It is time and site specific and must not be used for any other purpose. Copyright remains with Woodlots & Wetlands Pty Ltd and the plan remains the intellectual property of this company.


Woodlots & Wetlands Pty Ltd iii

Table of Contents

Contents 1. INTRODUCTION ..................................................................................................................... 4

Locality and background to Study ................................................................................................ 4

Report Purpose and Objectives ................................................................................................... 6

2. CURRENT CONDITIONS IN THE DAM ................................................................................... 7

Extent and depth of water on March 29 2018 ............................................................................ 10

3. ECOLOGICAL VALUES ASSESSMENT ............................................................................... 11

4. CONCLUSIONS .................................................................................................................... 11

APPENDICES

1. Dr Peter Bacon’s CV


Woodlots & Wetlands Pty Ltd 4

1. INTRODUCTION

Locality and background to Study

It is proposed to develop rural residential land at 163 Tallawong Road Rouse Hill to urban residential use. There is a small pond on the site and Council has requested a report on its ecological values.

Figure 1.1 shows the subject site within a regional context:

Figure 1.1. Subject site (Image source: Department of Lands, April 2016).

The nearest watercourse is First Ponds Creek. The creek is approximately 600 m to the west of the subject site. Note that there is no blue line joining the farm dam to First Ponds Creek.

There is a blue line joining the dam on an adjacent property to First Ponds Creek. This is some 55m away.

Subject site



Figure 1.2. The subject dam is some 50m from the nearest ‘blue’ line (Image source: Department of Lands, April 2016).

Subject dam

Blue line



Figure 1.3. The maximum extent of the subject dam, based on the top of its bank (Image source: Department of Lands, April 2016).

Report Purpose and Objectives

The report examines the dam in its current state in order to determine its ecological values.



2. CURRENT CONDITIONS IN THE DAM

The figures below show the current condition of the dam.

Figure 2.1. The subject dam was almost empty on the 29th March 2018.



Figure 2.2. The water surface level was over a metre below the discharge height.

Figure 2.3. Terrestrial weeds such as Apple of Sodom have begun to establish themselves on the floor of the dam.



Figure 2.4. The banks and floor of the dam is free of aquatic macrophytes typical of permanent dams in the Rouse Hill area. This suggests that for the majority of time the dam has insufficient water/soil moisture to support aquatic plant life.

Figure 2.5. The substrate on the floor of the dam has large cracks in it. This reflects the relatively dry summer. Note how the cracks also extend under water. Rain in late



March has covered some of the floor of the dam. However there is still evidence that the dam has been virtually dry in recent times.

Extent and depth of water on March 29 2018

The shape of the water surface on March 29th, 2018 was ovoid, being a maximum of 9m long (east –west axis) and 4m wide. This gives a maximum area of 36 msq. The maximum depth was 200 mm. Even if the average depth was 200mm, the volume of water in the dam would only be 7.2 cubic m (7,200 L). This is less than the capacity of most farm rainwater tanks.



3. ECOLOGICAL VALUES ASSESSMENT

The dam water was closely inspected to note any emergence of aquatic fauna. There was none. Additionally there was no subsurface movement evident. The entire water of the dam was ‘swept with a net. This was achieved by walking across the dam in

3m transects and sweeping on each side. No fauna were caught. Key field findings are:

The dam was only intermittently full of water

The dam dried out completely during prolonged dry weather.

The lack of aquatic macrophytes demonstrated that the occasional presence of free water did not provide a suitable habitat for aquatic fauna.

There was no fish or turtles in the water

4. CONCLUSIONS

The dam is intermittently full. It is not ‘connected’ to any drainage lines. It have little or no aquatic vegetation and no aquatic fauna was evident.

It is considered to have very low ecological value.



Appendix 1. Dr Peter Bacon’s cv

Contact details Woodlots and Wetlands Pty Ltd 220 Purchase Road Cherrybrook NSW 2126 Office: 02 94842700 Mobile: 0427095440 [email protected]

Qualifications

Bachelor of Science in Agriculture, University of Sydney

Master of Science in Agriculture, University of Sydney (Irrigation and nutrition)

Doctor of Philosophy, University of New England (Water and land management)

Professional certification

Certified Professional in Sediment and Erosion Control

Certified Practising Soil Scientist

Certified Practising Agriculturist

Certified Environmental Practitioner

Courses recently undertaken Wetlands for water quality management (U. QLD)

Fluvial geomorphology (U. Melb.)

Modelling Urban Stormwater Management (Monash Uni)

Environmental auditing (U. Qld)

Certificate course in Public Participation and Consultation (Int. Ass. Public Participation)

Associations

Environment Institute of Australia

Australian Association of Natural Resource Management.

Stormwater Industry Association

Soil Science Society of Australia

International Erosion Control Association

Institute of Foresters of Australia.

River Basin Management Society

Churchill Fellows Association of NSW. Experience Peter Bacon has over 38 years’ experience in investigating ecosystem management. In this time he has published over 300 articles, ranging from expert systems to reviews of major ecological processes.



In 1976 he joined the Biological and Chemical Research Institute and studied nitrogen and carbon cycling under a range of land and water management systems in South West NSW. His PhD was on N and C cycling in flooded and intermittently flooded systems. In 1988 he was appointed state coordinator of soil carbon and nitrogen research for the NSW Department of Agriculture. He lectured part time to the Irrigation Science students at the Yanco Agricultural Institute as well as at the University of Sydney and at the University of New England. Since 1999 he has guest lectured to post-graduates on wetland design and management at the University of Technology, Sydney. In 1990 he became Senior Research Scientist in State Forests of NSW. In 1991 he was appointed coordinator of the Soils, Nutrition and Hydrology Section of Forest Research. Between 1990 and 1993 he led a $600,000 study into ecological sustainable management of riparian communities along the Murray and Murrumbidgee Rivers. The program he established integrated water quality, macroinvertebrates, aquatic plants and algae, terrestrial vegetation, ecosystem water use, silviculture and fauna studies into a unique program involving U of Melbourne, CSU, CRC for Freshwater Ecology and State Forests. This long term project is continuing. In 1992 he was awarded a Churchill Fellowship to study in South Africa, Israel, Portugal and the USA. Specific aspects included wetland management, effects of effluent management on aquatic ecosystems and wastewater impacts on estuarine environments. In 1993 he co-ordinated and was senior author on the Land-use Issues Strategy for Wetlands in the Murray Darling Basin. In 1995 he was engaged by ANCA to produce the NSW chapter of the second edition of ‘A DIRECTORY OF IMPORTANT WETLANDS IN AUSTRALIA’. This required assessment of information in the original document, and has resulted in a document including assessment features such as Location, Area, Physical Features, Significance rating, Hydrological characteristics, Ecological description, Conservation value and management input requirements, Disturbances and threats, Land tenure, Current land use, Management Authority and Jurisdiction. More recently he undertook assessment of landuse impacts on ecological health of the Macquarie Marshes. He also provided expert witness to an Environment Australia case involving degradation of the Gwydir River Wetlands. Dr. Bacon is currently managing director of Woodlots & Wetlands Pty. Ltd., an environmental consultancy and management company. Key evidence of acknowledged expertise in wetlands and wetland environments including Acid Sulfate Soils:

1989 PhD in flooded soil management

1995. Editor/ complier of the NSW Directory Important Wetlands in Australia

2003-04: Expert witness for the Commonwealth government on successful court case/ prosecution of Mr Greentree for wilful damage to a Ramsar listed wetland.

Since 2000: Expert witness in NSW Land and Environment Court for several councils in cases involving use (and abuse of streams and wetlands).



2008-current: Independent expert advice to the federal Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and Arts and the NSW Natural Resources Commission on sustainable management of riparian forests in southern NSW.

Since 1999: Guest lecturer on wetland design and management to post graduate students at University of Technology, Sydney.

Licensed to capture and release wildlife.

\Recognised as a wetland/ riparian vegetation and management expert by numerous Councils.

Recent relevant projects that he has undertaken are listed below.

Impact of controlled discharges from the Nepean, Cataract, Cordeaux and

Nepean Dams on downstream habitat conditions for aquatic fauna

Impact of stream regulation on suitability of the physical habitat for aquatic fauna

Impact of safety upgrades on the availability of aquatic fauna habitat downstream of Wyangala, Copeton and Split Rock Dams.

Design of decommissioning plans for farm dams located within proposed subdivisions in over 10 sites in the Hawkesbury River Catchment.

Examination of environmental flow adequacy for Tasmanian streams likely to be subject to damning.

Preparation of management plans to reduce impact of urbanisation on over 50 streams in the greater Sydney Metropolitan Area.

Environmental assessment of over 200 wetlands in western NSW

Experimental investigation on the impact of forest flooding on aquatic ecology in River Red Gum forests of the Murray and Murrumbidgee Rivers.

Waterway management Assessment of Bulk Water Transfer Impacts on the Nepean, Cataract, Cordeaux and Avon Rivers. This study involved detailed investigations of stream physical, chemical and biological conditions. The information was used to develop strategies to ensure water transfer has minimal long term ecological impact on these rivers. Assessment of water transfer management on stability of Doudles Folly and Glenquarry Creeks. This study involved the investigation of erosion rate from stream banks under a variety of flow rates. REFs for upgrades of Copeton, Split Rock and Wyangala Dams. In 2009/10 Peter managed a diverse team of scientists to undertake these REFs. Peter was also responsible for assessment of impacts on flows and on aquatic and riparian flora downstream of the dams. Assessment of stream condition in the Hornsby Shire. Woodlots & Wetlands were part of a team that examined the status of 20 waterways within the Hornsby Shire. Woodlots &



Wetlands roles include assessment of stream condition, the health of the riparian vegetation, and the likely impacts of pollution on water chemistry. Vegetation Restoration Plan for a portion of the Hunter River. This was a plan developed for Coal & Allied Mines who wished to restore approximately 10 km of degraded bank along the Hunter River. Peter was responsible for the planning, design and implementation of the project. A vegetation restoration plan for portion of South Creek. This was a practical plan designed to stabilise the banks and improve water quality within the lower portion of South Creek. Hawkesbury City Council has adopted the plan in full. Restoration of minor streams as part of urban development procedures. Dr Bacon has been engaged by several companies to develop stream restoration plans that ensure urban developments not result in increased bank erosion. Design of systems to remediate Eastern Creek Waterway. Woodlots and Wetlands were engaged by Blacktown City council to design water management strategies to manage the urban floodways within new industrial estates. Development of a vegetation management strategy for Maxwells Creek. Woodlots & Wetlands are part of a team determining the optimum methodology for re aligning Maxwells Creek following urban development. The issues addressed by Woodlots & Wetlands include aquatics plant configuration, scour protection, location and dimensions of riffle and pool sequences. Woodlots & Wetlands were also responsible for developing a detailed site action sequence for the erosion and sediment control system. . Development of a Riparian Zone Management Plan for Farmers Creek Lithgow. This study involved the main urban water way in Lithgow. The plan provided an integrated scheme for rehabilitation of riparian vegetation, repair of creek banks, reduction in contaminant load and managing flood flows. Cooma Creek Vegetation Management Plan. Woodlots & Wetlands were engaged to prepare a vegetation management plan for the Creek following realignment and deepening as part of a flood mitigation program. The design considered issues such as species suitability, effects on stream ecology and effect of vegetation configuration on Manning 'n'. Rehabilitation of Duck River. Woodlots & Wetlands undertook detailed planning for the stabilisation, decontamination and restoration of Duck River for Auburn Council. Assessment of environmental impacts of dredging in Duck River and its tributaries. This study was undertaken for Parramatta City Council. It involved integration of social and environmental issues to determine the most suitable procedure for removing accumulated sediment. Resource inventory and action plan for water quality improvements - Goulburn City Waterways. This study was undertaken on behalf of Goulburn City Council. Woodlots & Wetlands led the project team. Dr Bacon’s roles included: Community consultation, project management, catchment assessment, stream geomorphological assessment, water quality assessment, urban impact assessment, identification of potential stormwater quality control points and suitable Stormwater Quality Improvement Devices. Assessment of stream stability and development of rectification plan for Ashlar Golf Club. Ashlar Golf Club has a natural stream through it. This stream receives runoff from much of



Blacktown City CBD. The higher flows are creating bank instability. Woodlots & Wetlands have developed a comprehensive remediation strategy for the creek. Potential for reusing stormwater on, Bardwell Valley, Mona Vale and Bexley Golf courses. Woodlots & Wetlands were part of a team investigating the potential for capturing and treating stormwater on golf course ponds. Dr Bacon undertook inflow line stabilisation assessment, modelling of contaminant inflows, internal processing in the lakes, and assessment of suitability of the water against ANZECC Criteria. Restoration of upper Tunks Creek. Woodlots & Wetlands undertook planning and implementation of a creek restoration program as part of an urban development near Dural NSW. Bargo River Catchment Options Report Woodlots & Wetlands were part of a team preparing this report. Woodlots & Wetlands roles included Investigations of urban impacts on water quality and identification of relationships between water quality water flows and vegetation. Action plan on the effects of human activity on aquatic vegetation in the Hawkesbury-Nepean Catchment. This study aimed to identify key issues impacting on the health of aquatic vegetation in the Hawkesbury Nepean Catchment. Assessment of increased weir wall height on riparian vegetation. This study was undertaken for Walgett Shire Council and NSWPWS. It determined the likely impacts on riparian vegetation of raising the level of the Barwon River at Walgett by 3.5m. Restoration of drainage lines at Shipwrights Bay. Woodlots & Wetlands were engaged to redesign drainage lines for streams exiting urban areas adjacent to Georges River. This drainage system was deeply incising into landfill and rubbish dumped in Shipwrights Bay Reserve. Woodlots & Wetlands modelled and designed stream bed stabilisation along the drainage line. Dr Bacon personally supervised the installation of the rock and stabilising vegetation. Assessment of Acid Sulfate Soil oxidation risks in the Hawkesbury and Georges River Catchments. These investigations aimed at developing management and remediation activities to prevent acidification of lands following drainage and development. In some cases wetlands were re-established to reduce oxidation risk. Review of Environmental Factors for rehabilitation of portion of Mill Pond Creek. Botany Bay Council Area. Mill Pond Creek is the main drainage system for the eastern suburbs of Sydney. Installation of stormwater structures has resulted in large masses of sediment entering the stream and creating sediment bars. These bars increase flood risk. Dr Bacon prepared an REF assessing options to remove flow obstructions with minimal environmental impact. Stabilisation of Freshwater Creek, Chullora. National Rail is developing a freight terminal in Western Sydney. The new rail lines will impact on adjacent waterways. Woodlots & Wetlands were engaged to design creek profiles that would enable stabilisation, following changes in the catchment. The designs take into account new culverts, bank stabilisation and vegetation. Assessment of ferry access improvements on Acid Sulfate Soil oxidation risks. This RTA funded project examined the potential for acid sulfate soil impacts from excavation to augment ferry links. Assessment of industrial development impacts on a 4400 m sq water body at Amiens Rd. Moorebank. Woodlots & Wetlands assessed the potential effects of a 6 ha industrial



development on an adjacent waterbody. The study also included investigation of the ability of the waterbody to process likely contaminants from the development. Riparian management to identify and to alleviate effects of anthropogenic impacts have been undertaken in South Creek, the Hawkesbury, the Wollondilly and the Hunter Rivers as well as in the Pittwater.

Preparation of VMPs under the Water Management Act (2000) and associated regulations

Peter Bacon has prepared over 100 VMP’s for riparian vegetation management within the Sydney Basin Bioregion. These plans are designed to actively manage and protect riparian vegetation communities. Frequently they are aimed at managing endangered Ecological Communities (EEC). Locations include: Narara Creek, Miles Dunphy Reserve Oatley, Salt Pan Creek, Georges River Wetlands, Warwick Farm, Chipping Norton, The Crest, Bankstown, Villawood, Toongabbie Creek, Casula, 5 sites around Campbelltown, Ingleburn, Narrabeen Lagoon, Leppington, Holsworthy Army Lands, Austral, Eastern Creek and in Liverpool, Botany, Hawkesbury, Hunters Hill, Parramatta, Holroyd, Penrith, Blacktown, the Hills, Hornsby, Wyong, Gosford, Muswellbrook, Bathurst, Orange, Dubbo, Coffs Harbour, Clarence Valley, Shoalhaven, Kur Ring Gai, Warringah, Sydney City, Marrickville and Woollahra LGAs and over 30 riparian sites containing Swamp Oak Floodplain, River Flat Eucalypt Forest and Sydney Freshwater Wetlands.

Stormwater management Prioritisation of stormwater devices for Lake Macquarie. Woodlots & Wetlands undertook an assessment of the entire catchment to determine the most beneficial locations for stormwater management devices including wetlands, GPTs and source controls. The project involved extensive community consultation and assessment of a wide range of stormwater and lake water quality issues. Stormwater quality management in the Warriewood Valley. Approximately 110 ha of market garden and rural residential lands in the Warriewood Valley have been released for urbanisation. The building of some 1500 dwellings upstream of sensitive wetlands will increase runoff and contaminant loads in the region. Peter undertook the water quality and vegetation impact portion of the Integrated Water Management Strategy for the Warriewood Valley. A critical issue was the management of stormwater during development to ensure protection of the Warriewood Wetlands. This includes such issues as selection and concept design of Stormwater Quality Improvement Devices including wetlands, swales and GPTs. Management Plan to treat and reuse winery wastewater in Central Victoria. This study required a complete design of the treatment train from determining wastewater volume and characteristics to assessing the sustainability of irrigation for the site. Use of an aquifer to receive and store urban stormwater. Singleton City is located on the Hunter River floodplain. The lack of grade makes stormwater drainage expensive and inefficient. An alternative is to utilise a shallow aquifer to receive and retain the water until it is required for irrigation. Woodlots & Wetlands prepared the Review of Environmental Factors of this project. Stormwater management plan for Thuringowa City Council. Thuringowa is a rapidly expanding city of some 40,000 EP to the north of Townsville. The monsoonal climate results in extended dry periods followed by heavy rainfall. The combination of seasonal rainfall and



unstable soils mean traditional large stormwater drains rapidly become sedimented. Peter designed a system using a combination of bank revegetation, in line constructed wetlands and recycled water to stabilise the system, improve water quality and to increase the aesthetic values of the main stormwater drain. The results of the study are providing the basis for subsidy submissions to the Queensland Government. Green point reserve stormwater management plan. This Stormwater Management Plan for Green Point Foreshore Reserve was developed at the invitation of Lake Macquarie City Council. The Council requested the study to develop a strategic framework and action plan to minimise the effects of urbanisation on the hydrology and ecology of the 154 ha reserve. Additionally the effects of stormwater on the adjacent Lake Macquarie were to be minimised. Peter is currently assisting Council in the implementation phase. Development of water management systems for urban development in Wagga Wagga. Woodlots & Wetlands were engaged by NSW Planning to develop an integrated water management strategy that incorporated natural streams and enhanced flows from new urban areas. Woodlots & Wetlands were the lead consultants on the Leeton, Lower Parramatta River Catchment, Walcha and Griffith City Stormwater Management Plans. They were co-authors of the Salt Pan Creek and the Liverpool District Plans. Each of these plans required extensive consultation with the community.

Wetlands to improve stormwater quality Stormwater Quality Control Ponds. Sydney Olympic Site. Woodlots & Wetlands were engaged to review the pond configuration and to recommend suitable planting species and management strategies. This required considerable modelling of pond performance especially as the ponds were within highly confined spaces. The lack of control over water levels was a key issue at these sites. Design of wetland to treat stormwater runoff from a 297 ha urban catchment in Narrandera. Peter’s roles included modelling of stormwater quality, concept design, plant selection, preparation of the SEE, design of monitoring and maintenance plan, design of trash racks and flow management structures and community liaison. Use of wetlands to treat urban runoff from Marrickville LGA. Peter undertook a range of projects involving wetlands to treat highly contaminated runoff to a standards suitable for sports field irrigation. Urban runoff treatment via wetlands in Bathurst. The Kelso Creek catchment is highly urbanised and is a significant source of contamination to the Macquarie River. Peter designed a wetland to treat the runoff to minimise contamination. Peer review and stakeholder consultation for a wetland to treat stormwater from a 760 ha catchment in Auckland City. Peter Bacon undertook detailed design investigations and assessed the ecological, social and economic costs and benefits of this wetland to be developed in a 77 ha parkland. He developed a viable compromise to reflect stakeholder concerns with flooding, water quality, public safety, ecological enrichment, public amenity and costs. Design of ponds as part of stormwater reuse within a 445 unit retirement village at Forresters Beach, NSW. Roles included development of water sensitive urban design for the site,



modelling water use for toilets and gardens, rainwater and stormwater management and site stabilisation. The impact on surrounding vegetation was also assessed. Development of pondage and wetlands to assist urban stormwater management in Clarence Town. Clarence Town is a non sewered town on the edge of the Williams River. Urban runoff has been identified as a major pollution source in the catchment. Dr Bacon designed and supervised the installation of wetlands and inline pondage to reduce river contamination. The project included public meeting presentations, preparation of development applications, an REF (Review of Environmental Factors) process and negotiations with Local Council, the EPA, the DLWC, Hunter Water and the Hunter Catchment Management Trust. Assessment of wetland efficiency to treat runoff from a 4,000 lot subdivision at Mt Wellington, New Zealand. Peter assessed the development proposal and developed detailed responses and recommendations for this site. Concept design and implementation plan for Berowra Creek Wetlands, West Pennant Hills. Dr Bacon’s roles in this project included preparation of the REF, modelling water quality, selection of plants, supervision of installation and writing the management and monitoring plan. He also undertook community consultation. Performance review of Berowra Creek Wetlands, West Pennant Hills. Dr Bacon undertook a detailed analysis of the wetland performance 7 years after commissioning. The performance assessment identified correlations between predicted and actual performance of the wetland. Restoration of Trumper Park Pondage. Dr Bacon designed the restoration of this urban pond. Tasks included urban stormwater quality and quality modelling, community consultation, design of remediation strategy and development of construction sequence. Design and modelling of an urban stormwater wetland for a 1180 ha catchment on Bunbury Curran Creek. This project involved development of concept designs and modelling anticipated performance of a wetland designed to reduce contamination from a catchment containing a mix of rural and residential landuses. The design needed to consider environmental, recreational and flood management needs. Determination of riparian vegetation for Parramatta Golf Club Wetlands. Woodlots & Wetlands were engaged to determine suitability of a range of plants for both wetland and riparian environmental plantings along constructed waterways in this golf course. Urban wetlands at Lancelot St Blacktown. Peter provided water quality improvement modelling for a constructed wetland design. Issues included the effect of groundwater incursion, the potential for using variable height flows, and management to reduce contaminant load at the exit points. Design of inline wetlands to improve urban stormwater in Townsville. Woodlots & Wetlands were contracted to design a series of inline wetlands to reduce impacts of urban stormwater on the Bohle River Estuary. Nutrient removal from stormwater at St Patrick’s Seminary Site, Manly. Dr Bacon provided detailed models and explanation of nutrient transformations likely to occur in stormwater retained within various pond sizes at this site. Design and modelling of an urban stormwater wetland for a 6000 ha catchment at Minto. Woodlots & Wetlands undertook performance modelling of this wetland using a format that



addressed issues including water quality, flood management, aquatic vegetation enhancement and recreational opportunities. Modelling of free water and subsurface wetlands to assess suitability for treating runoff from a 300 ha catchment Ambarvale. Woodlots & Wetlands are part of a team developing a range of options to treat runoff from sports fields and commercial centres in this catchment. Development of revegetation strategy of portion of Wheeny Creek Wetlands. Woodlots and Wetlands were engaged to select aquatic plants and design erosion protection methods for rehabilitation of this site. Vegetation management plan for Madela Wetlands, Springwood. Woodlots & Wetlands were engaged to develop detailed planting designs for three sites in the Blue Mountains that would need restoration following installation of constructed wetlands for stormwater quality management. The plans addressed both aquatic and terrestrial plants. A key issue was the need to use local genotypes and to integrate the plan to ensure the site could accommodate highly variable flows. The locality of the wetlands immediately upstream of a world heritage site means the wetlands were required to be highly efficient at reducing contaminant concentrations. Review of inline wetland in Waitara Creek. Woodlots & Wetlands were engaged to review the engineering drawings for this site to ensure the configuration was optimised from plant and water quality viewpoints. Design and implementation of management plan to restore Third St wetland Blackheath. Woodlots and Wetlands designed and supervised the implementation of a restoration program of this important wetland. The design considered issues such as sediment traps, peak flows, scouring potential, plant species and planting configuration. Design of wetlands and swales to improve urban runoff in Dubbo. Woodlots & Wetlands roles in this project include swale design, evaluation of plant material and detailed vegetation assessment. This wetland subsequently won an environmental award. Design of stormwater retention ponds adjacent to Tempe Landfill. This study involved detailed modelling of the catchment, assessment of landfill leachate impacts and development of a Vegetation Management Plan to suit the site conditions. Stormwater treatment train for Star of the Sea Terrigal. Woodlots & Wetlands has undertaken detailed modelling and design of wetlands and GPT for the site. Use of wetlands to treat urban stormwater. Detailed modelling was undertaken to determine the likely effects of installing wetlands on drainage lines downstream of urban areas. Sites examined included Hawthorne Canal, Dobroyd Canal in Sydney and Bargo Township.

Management of natural wetlands Design of rehabilitation strategies for estuarine sites in Hurstville LGA. Peter prepared VMP plans for sites likely to be impacted by walking tracks. Wingecarribee Shire Wetlands Management Strategy. Woodlots & Wetlands assessed over 450 wetlands in the shire and then developed a management strategy based on maintaining ecological values of the wetlands consistent with their current condition and uses.



Assessment and prioritisation of 113 wetlands in western NSW. Woodlots & Wetlands were engaged by the Western CMA to inspect, assess and prioritise wetlands in western NSW to ensure funding is appropriately targeted to environmentally and culturally significant sites. Assessment of 195 wetlands in the Border Rivers Gwydir CMA region for cultural and environmental values. Peter Bacon and Sue Hudson undertook a catchment wide assessment to prioritise wetlands for CMA investment in protection and rehabilitation. Independent expert to Natural Resource Commission on River Red Gum forest management in South West NSW. Peter was contracted to provide independent advice to the NRC enquiry assessing the potential options for the riparian forests. Expert report to the federal Environment, Arts, Heritage and Water Department on sustainable management of River Red Gum forests. Peter undertook a major project to assess these forests and to develop recommendations for sustainable use. Assessment of flood management on the ecological health of Macquarie Marshes. Woodlots & Wetlands were contracted by NPWS to assess the impacts of lack of flooding on River Red gum vegetation. Assessment of flood management strategies on the health of wetland communities within the Macquarie Marsh. This was undertaken as part of the DHI study for a hydrodynamic model for the Marshes. Assessment of cropping impacts on portion of the Gwydir Wetlands. Environment Australia engaged Woodlots & Wetlands to assess the damage to wetland functionality of unauthorised ploughing of some 4000 ha of this Ramsar listed wetland. Assessment of the impacts of NSW Water Management Plan for the Murrumbidgee Valley on the Lowbidgee Wetlands. This 39,000 ha wetland is under threat from abstraction of water for irrigation. Peter’s task was to assess the current and potential future long term impacts of reduced water availability on the long term viability of this wetland. Plan of Management for Jerrabomberra Wetlands. Environment ACT contracted Woodlots & Wetlands to prepare a revised PoM for the 172 ha wetland located adjacent to Lake Burley Griffin. Assessment of development impact on floodplain ecological communities on the Darling River between the Barwon River confluence and Louth. This project examined the potential impacts of cropping, roads and above ground irrigation structure on the floodplain ecology.

lot 44 dp 30186 - blacktown.nsw.gov.au · in 1992 he was awarded a churchill fellowship to study in...

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