GOULBURN BROKEN WETLANDS - Seasonal Watering Proposal 2017-2018 - Goulburn Broken CMA
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Goulburn Broken Wetlands
GOULBURN BROKEN
WETLANDS
Seasonal Watering Proposal 2017-2018
Goulburn Broken Wetlands
Publication details
Published by:
Jo Wood
Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority
PO Box 1752, Shepparton 3632
© Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority, 2017.
Please cite this document as: GB CMA (2017). Goulburn Broken Wetlands Seasonal Watering Proposal 2017-
2018. Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority, Shepparton.
Disclaimer:
This publication may be of assistance to you, but the Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority does
not guarantee that the publication is without flaw of any kind or is wholly appropriate for your particular
purposes and therefore disclaims all liability for any error, loss or other consequences which may arise from you
relying on information in this publication.
It should be noted that specific reference to funding levels in this strategy are for indicative purposes only. The
level of Government investment in this plan is contingent on budgets and government priorities.
For further information, please contact:
Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority
P.O. Box 1752, Shepparton 3632
Phone: (03) 5822 7700
Website: www.gbcma.vic.gov.au
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Goulburn Broken Wetlands
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
This proposal identifies the environmental water requirements of seven wetlands in the Goulburn Broken
Catchment in 2017-2018 under a range of climatic scenarios to protect, enhance or maintain their environmental
values and health.
The seven wetlands covered by this proposal are: Black Swamp; Doctors Swamp; Kinnairds Wetland; Moodie
Swamp; Gaynor Swamp; Stockyard Plain and Reedy Swamp. Gaynor Swamp and Stockyard Plain have not been
included in previous proposals.
Key stakeholders including Park Victoria, Goulburn-Murray Water, the Victorian Environmental Water Holder
and the Goulburn Broken Wetland Technical Reference Group and Goulburn Broken Wetland Management
Group were consulted during the development of this proposal. Key stakeholders will continue to be consulted
during the implementation of the proposal and any water deliveries that may occur also. Community groups and
the wider public will be informed of environmental water delivery decisions and outcomes during the
implementation of the proposal consistent with the Goulburn Broken Environmental Water Communication
Action Plan. The Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority Board was also consulted during the
development of the proposal and its priorities. Difficulties in obtaining meeting times with Yorta Yorta Nation
Aboriginal Corporation means the group were consulted after the proposal was finalised.
The wetlands covered by this proposal did not receive any environmental water in 2016-2017. Natural flooding
in late winter/ early spring of 2016 filled the wetlands to full supply/ flood level. Summer rainfall events kept the
wetlands topped up over the warmer months, keeping them wet until early autumn 2017. All priority watering
actions for wetlands in 2016-2017 were met from natural flooding events. The wetlands responded well to the
natural flooding events with some flora and fauna species recorded at the sites for the first time. These species
included: Sloanes Froglet at Doctors Swamp; Blue-billed Duck and Myriophylum simulans at Moodie Swamp; and
Freckled Duck at Black Swamp.
Due to this flooding Black Swamp, Doctors Swamp, Kinnairds Wetland, Moodie Swamp and Reedy Swamp
exceeded their maximum wetting regimes and entered into a prolonged wetting phase. Priorities for 2017-2018
are to promote the desired drying periods for Black Swamp, Doctors Swamp, Kinnairds Wetland, Moodie Swamp
and Reedy Swamp. Currently Black Swamp and Kinnairds wetland are dry, Doctors Swamp, Moodie Swamp and
Reedy Swamp are still holding water. Water may be delivered to Moodie Swamp in autumn 2018 if the desired
drying period has been met. Gaynor Swamp and Stockyard Plain are currently dry and may receive
environmental water in autumn 2018.
Key risks associated with the proposed delivery of environmental water to all seven wetlands in the Goulburn
Broken Catchment include: the resource manager being unable to deliver the required flow rates; improving
conditions for non-native species; and the environmental water account being overdrawn. Additional site
specific risks include: works on the delivery channel at Gaynor Swamp not being completed in time for the
proposed environmental water delivery in autumn 2018; and not receiving the necessary private landholder
approval to deliver environmental water to Stockyard Plain.
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Goulburn Broken Wetlands
Environmental water required to support the 2017-2018 are shown in the summary table below.
Drought Scenario – Dry Scenario Average to Wet Scenario
WETLAND ENVIRONMENTAL OBJECTIVES AREA PRIORITY 1 PRIORITY 2 PRIORITY 3 PRIORITY 1 PRIORITY 2 PRIORITY 3
(Ha)
Volume required Volume Volume Volume required Volume Volume required
for April-May required required for April-May required for April-May 2018
2018 for April- for April- 2018 for April-
May 2018 May 2018 May 2018
Moodie Maintain diversity of native wetland 180 NA 500 NA 500 300ML - This is
Swamp flora consistent with cane-grass EVC under the
and maintain populations of Rigid assumption that
Water Milfoil and Slender Water the wetland will
Milfoil. Provide opportunities for have received
waterbird breeding especially some natural
Brolga. inflows.
Gaynor Improve the diversity of native 303 NA 1000 NA 500 ML - This is
Swamp wetland flora species consistent under the
with the mosaic of EVCs and assumption that
maintain habitat for waterbird the wetland will
refugia and breeding. have received
some natural
inflows.
Stockyard Improve the diversity of native 16.5 NA 1000 NA 500ML - This is
Plain wetland flora species consistent under the
with the mosaic of EVCs and assumption that
maintain habitat for waterbird the wetland will
refugia and breeding. have received
some natural
inflows.
Doctors To maintain the diversity of native 200 NA 500 * This NA 500 300ML This would
Swamp wetland flora species consistent would be a be a partial fill.
with Red Gum Swamp and Plains partial fill
Grassy Wetland EVCs. Provide
opportunities for waterbird
breeding.
Totals Wetlands to 500 ML 2500 ML Wetlands to 500 ML 1600 ML
remain dry – remain dry –
dependent on dependent on
how long they how long they
hold water from hold water from
2016 floods. 2016 floods
The maximum amount of water required is approximately 2500ML under a Drought-Dry scenario under
Priority 3. This assumes works have been conducted at Gaynor Swamp in time for delivery of water and
adjoining landowners to Stockyard Plain are in agreeance of the delivery of environmental water to the site.
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Goulburn Broken Wetlands
CONTENTS
Executive summary ................................................................................................................................................. ii
Glossary and acronyms ......................................................................................................................................... vii
Introduction and system overview ......................................................................................................................... 1
Introduction ........................................................................................................................................................ 1
Purpose ............................................................................................................................................................... 1
System Overview ................................................................................................................................................ 1
Black Swamp ................................................................................................................................................... 4
Doctors Swamp ............................................................................................................................................... 6
Gaynor Swamp................................................................................................................................................ 8
Kinnairds Wetland .......................................................................................................................................... 9
Moodie Swamp ............................................................................................................................................. 11
Reedy Swamp ............................................................................................................................................... 13
Stockyard Plain ............................................................................................................................................. 16
Engagement .......................................................................................................................................................... 18
Shared Benefit Considerations ......................................................................................................................... 21
Environmental Objectives and Flow Recommendations ...................................................................................... 22
Seasonal Review ................................................................................................................................................... 27
2016-2017 Ecological Review ........................................................................................................................... 27
Current Ecological Conditions ........................................................................................................................... 29
Key Observations .............................................................................................................................................. 29
Scenario Planning ................................................................................................................................................. 32
Scenario Planning Overview ............................................................................................................................. 32
Climatic Outlook for 2017-2018 ................................................................................................................... 32
Priority Watering Actions 2017-2018 ........................................................................................................... 33
Scenario Planning ......................................................................................................................................... 36
Shared Benefits Outcomes ........................................................................................................................... 37
Delivery Constraints.............................................................................................................................................. 38
Increasing Knowledge ........................................................................................................................................... 39
Monitoring ........................................................................................................................................................ 39
Reporting .......................................................................................................................................................... 39
Knowledge Gaps and Limitations ..................................................................................................................... 40
Risk Management ................................................................................................................................................. 40
Approval and Endorsement .................................................................................................................................. 42
References ............................................................................................................................................................ 43
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Goulburn Broken Wetlands
Appendix ............................................................................................................................................................... 44
Table 1. Listed wetland dependent fauna recorded at Black Swamp. ................................................................... 5
Table 2. Listed wetland dependent flora recorded at Black Swamp. ..................................................................... 5
Table 3. Listed wetland dependent fauna recorded at Doctors Swamp. ............................................................... 7
Table 4. Listed wetland dependent flora recorded at Doctors Swamp. ................................................................. 7
Table 5. Listed wetland dependent fauna recorded at Gaynor Swamp. ................................................................ 8
Table 6. Listed wetland dependent flora recorded at Gaynor Swamp. .................................................................. 8
Table 7. Listed wetland dependent fauna recorded at Kinnairds Wetland. ......................................................... 10
Table 8. Listed wetland dependent flora recorded at Kinnairds Wetland. ........................................................... 10
Table 9. Listed wetland dependent species recorded at Moodie Swamp. ........................................................... 12
Table 10. Listed wetland depended flora recorded at Moodie Swamp. .............................................................. 12
Table 11. Listed wetland dependent fauna recorded at Reedy Swamp. .............................................................. 14
Table 12. Listed wetland dependent flora recorded at Reedy Swamp................................................................. 14
Table 13. Listed wetland dependent fauna recorded at Stockyard Plain. ............................................................ 17
Table 14. Listed wetland dependent flora recorded at Stockyard Plain. .............................................................. 17
Table 15. Seasonal watering proposal development and implementation consultation process........................ 20
Table 16. Shared benefit opportunities for Goulburn Broken Wetlands 2017-2018. .......................................... 21
Table 17. Ecological and hydrological objectives for Black Swamp in the Goulburn Broken Catchment. ............ 22
Table 18.Ecological and hydrological objectives for Doctors Swamp in the Goulburn Broken Catchment. ........ 23
Table 19.Ecological and hydrological objectives for Gaynor Swamp in the Goulburn Broken Catchment. ......... 23
Table 20. Ecological and hydrological objectives for Kinnaird Wetland in the Goulburn Broken Catchment. ..... 24
Table 21. Ecological and hydrological objectives for Moodie Swamp in the Goulburn Broken Catchment......... 25
Table 22. Ecological and hydrological objectives for Reedy Swamp in the Goulburn Broken Catchment. .......... 25
Table 23. Ecological and hydrological objectives for Stockyard Plain in the Goulburn Broken Catchment. ........ 26
Table 24. Environmental water priorities under differing climate scenarios for 2016-2017. .............................. 27
Table 25. Historical and predicted hydrological events in Goulburn Broken Wetlands. ...................................... 28
Table 26. Environmental objectives for wetlands in 2017-2018. ......................................................................... 33
Table 27. Predicted water requirements for 2017-2018. ..................................................................................... 34
Table 28. Scenario planning for the Goulburn Broken Catchment Wetlands 2017-2018. ................................... 36
Table 29. Potential shared benefits for Goulburn Broken Wetlands for 2017-2018. ........................................... 37
Table 30. Possible delivery constraints for environmental water to Goulburn Broken Wetlands 2017-2018. .... 38
Table 31. Risk assessment and mitigation strategies for Goulburn Broken Wetlands 2017-2018. ...................... 41
Image 1. Click on the image to watch a flyover of Black Swamp in the 2016 Floods. ............................................ 4
Image 2. Click on the image to watch a flyover of Doctors Swamp in the 2016 floods.......................................... 6
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Goulburn Broken Wetlands
Image 3. Click on the image to watch a flyover of Kinnairds Wetland in the 2016 floods. .................................... 9
Image 4. Click on the image to watch a flyover of Moodie Swamp in the 2016 floods........................................ 11
Image 5. Click on the image to watch a flyover of Reedy Swamp in the 2016 floods. ......................................... 13
Image 6. Click on the image to watch a flyover of Stockyard Plain in the 2016 floods. ....................................... 16
Image 7. Dusky Moorhen nest at Moodie Swamp November 2016 (J. Wood GB CMA). ..................................... 29
Image 8. Myriophyllum simulans at Moodie Swamp January 2017 (J. Wood GB CMA). ...................................... 30
Image 9. A Brown Tree Creeper and fledglings (K. Ward GB CMA). ..................................................................... 31
Image 10. A field of Billy Buttons at Doctors Swamp (J. Wood GB CMA). ............................................................ 31
Image 11. Rainfall and temperature outlook - April/June 2017 (Image courtesy of BOM). ................................. 32
Image 12. Current and historic water storage levels for Lake Eildon ................................................................... 32
Graph 1. Red line indicates flows of over 20,000ML in the Goulburn River and inundating Reedy Swamp. ....... 15
Graph 2. Graphical representation of priority watering requirements for 2017-2018. ....................................... 35
Figure 1. Goulburn and Broken Wetlands that currently receive environmental water. ....................................... 2
Figure 2.Goulburn Wetlands with the addition of Gaynor Swamp and Stockyard Plain ........................................ 3
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Goulburn Broken Wetlands
GLOSSARY AND ACRONYMS
Catchment Management Authority (CMA) – statutory Seasonal Allocation – the volume of water allocated to a water
authorities established to manage regional and catchment share in a given season, expressed as a percentage of total
planning, waterways, floodplains, salinity and water quality. entitlement volume.
CMA – Catchment Management Authority Victorian Environmental Water Holder (VEWH) – an
independent statutory body responsible for holding and
Commonwealth Environmental Water Holder (CEWH) – Part of managing Victorian environmental water entitlements and
the Department of the Environment) holds and manages the allocations (Victorian Water Holdings).
water entitlements purchased through the Restoring the
Balance water recovery program Water entitlement – the right to a volume of water that can
(usually) be stored in reservoirs and taken and used under
Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning specific conditions.
(DELWP) – Victorian government department responsible for
protecting the environment, responding to climate change and Water holdings – environmental water entitlements held by the
supporting sustainable population growth. Victorian Environmental Water Holder.
Environmental water entitlement – an entitlement to water to Waterway Manager – agency responsible for the environmental
achieve environmental objectives in waterways (could be an management of waterways (includes Catchment Management
environmental entitlement, environmental bulk entitlement, Authorities and Melbourne Water).
water share, Section 51 licence or supply agreement).
Waterways – can include rivers, wetlands, creeks, streams,
Environmental Protection Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 floodplains and estuaries.
(EPBC 1999) – establishes a legal framework to provide for the
protection and management of nationally and internationally
important flora, fauna, ecological communities and heritage
places, defined in the Act as ‘matters of national environmental
significance’.
Ecological Vegetation Class (EVC) – a standard unit for
classifying vegetation types in Victoria.
Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority (GB CMA)
– statutory body established in 1997 as the peak natural
resource management body in the Goulburn Broken
catchment.
Gigalitre (GL) – one billion (1,000,000,000) litres.
Goulburn-Murray Water (GMW) – a statutory corporation
established under the provisions of the Victorian Water Act,
managing around 70 per cent of Victoria’s stored water
resources, 50 per cent of Victoria’s underground water supplies
and Australia’s largest irrigation delivery network.
High-reliability entitlement – legally recognised, secure
entitlement to a defined share of water, as governed by the
reserve policy (full allocations expected in most years).
Low-reliability entitlement – legally recognised, secure
entitlement to a defined share of water, as governed by the
reserve policy (full allocations are expected only in some years).
Macrophytes – an aquatic plant that grows in or near water and
is emergent, submergent or floating.
Megalitre (ML) – one million (1,000,000) litres.
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Goulburn Broken Wetlands
INTRODUCTION AND SYSTEM OVERVIEW
INTRODUCTION
Environmental entitlements are available to be called out of storage when needed and delivered to streams or
wetlands to protect and enhance environmental values and health. These entitlements are held by the Victorian
Environmental Water Holder (VEWH), the Commonwealth Environmental Water Holder (CEWH) and the
Murray-Darling Basin Authority (MDBA).
Catchment Management Authorities (CMAs) are responsible for determining environmental watering
requirements for streams and wetlands and developing and submitting Seasonal Watering Proposals to the
VEWH. CMAs are also responsible for managing the delivery of environmental water to these sites in accordance
with the VEWHs Seasonal Watering Statements.
Seasonal Watering Plans are based on each of the CMAs Seasonal Watering Proposals. The plans describe the
desired environmental water use for rivers and wetlands across Victoria for the coming financial or water year.
The VEWH negotiates access to environmental water managed by the CEWH and the MDBA and then prepares
a Seasonal Watering Statement, authorising CMAs to undertake agreed watering activities. Where possible, the
VEWH, CEWH and the MDBA coordinate delivery and management of environmental water.
PURPOSE
The purpose of the Goulburn Broken Wetlands Seasonal Watering Proposal is to:
Identify the environmental water requirements for Black Swamp, Doctors Swamp, Gaynor Swamp,
Kinnairds Wetland, Moodie Swamp, Reedy Swamp and Stockyard Plain in the coming year under a range
of climatic scenarios to protect, enhance or maintain their environmental values and health.
To inform the development of environmental water priorities in the VEWHs Seasonal Watering Plan.
SYSTEM OVERVIEW
The Goulburn Broken Catchment extends from the northern outskirts of Melbourne to the Murray River on the
NSW border and covers 204 million hectares, or 10.5 per cent of Victoria’s total land area (DNRE, 2002). Within
the catchment, approximately 2000 natural wetlands have been recorded including a number of wetlands
formally recognised for their conservation significance. This includes the Ramsar listed Barmah Forest, ten
wetlands of national significance listed in A Directory of Important Wetlands (EA, 2001) and 111 wetlands of
Bioregional Significance identified for the National Land and Water Resource Audit (CoA, 2002).
Of the natural wetlands in the catchment only six have, to date, had the ability to receive environmental water.
These are Barmah Forest, Black Swamp, Doctors Swamp, Kinnairds Wetland, Moodie Swamp and Reedy Swamp
(Figures 1 and 2). A separate watering plan is being written for Barmah Forest and is not considered in this
proposal. Two new watering sites are being proposed for 2017-2018 environmental watering. This includes
Gaynor Swamp near Corop and Stockyard Plain near Waranga Basin (Figure 2).
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Goulburn Broken Wetlands
Figure 1. Goulburn and Broken Wetlands that currently receive environmental water.
Image taken from VEWH Seasonal Watering Plan 2016-17
2Goulburn Broken Wetlands
Figure 2.Goulburn Wetlands with the addition of Gaynor Swamp and Stockyard Plain
Image taken from VEWH Seasonal Watering Plan 2016-17 and modified by GB CMA.
3Goulburn Broken Wetlands
BLACK SWAMP
Black Swamp is a 16.5 hectare red gum swamp managed by Parks Victoria (Image 1). Environmental water can
be delivered by a channel connected to the swamp from the Nine Mile Creek. Black Swamp is listed as
bioregionally significant in the National Land and Water Resource Audit (CoA, 2002).
Image 1. Click on the image to watch a flyover of Black Swamp in the 2016 Floods.
Environmental flows can only be delivered to the swamp when flows in the Nine Mile Creek exceed 100ML/day
(GBCMA, 2010). This regularly occurs during the irrigation season (August – May). The wetland may only receive
water in wet years due to river regulation. Environmental water may be called upon to enhance natural
inundation events or during dry periods if the wetland undergoes prolonged drying to ensure the success of bird
breeding events or to provide optimal growth conditions for water dependent vegetation such as the EPBC
(1999) listed River Swamp Wallaby-grass (Amphibromus fluitans). Black Swamp also meets a number of criteria
under Schedule 8 of the Basin Plan – Criteria for identifying an environmental asset. This includes criteria 1b, 3a
(i), 4c and 5a &b (refer to appendix 1 for criteria description).
4Goulburn Broken Wetlands
Black Swamp provides habitat for a wide variety of aquatic and terrestrial fauna and flora species. To date 67
wetland dependent species have been recorded at the site. Of these species 14 are listed as threatened (see
table 1), including Freckled Duck (Stictonetta naevosa), which was recorded at the swamp for the first time in
December 2016.
Table 1. Listed wetland dependent fauna recorded at Black Swamp.
Common Name Scientific Name EPBC FFG VROTS
Australasian Bittern Botaurus poiciloptilus Endangered Listed Endangered
Australasian Shoveler Anas rhynchotis Vulnerable
Australian Little Bittern Ixobrychus dubius Listed Endangered
Balions Crake Porzana pusilla Listed Vulnerable
Eastern Great Egret Ardea modesta Listed Vulnerable
Eastern Long-necked Turtle Chelodina longicolis Data Deficient
Freckled Duck Stictonetta naevosa Listed Endangered
Glossy Ibis Plegadis falcinellus Near Threatened
Hardhead Aythaya australis Vulnerable
Intermediate Egret Ardea intermedia Listed Critically Endangered
Magpie Goose Anseranas semipalmata Listed Near Threatened
Nankeen Night Heron Nycticorax caledonicus Near Threatened
Royal Spoonbill Platalea regia Vulnerable
White-bellied Sea Eagle Haliaeetus leucogaster Listed Vulnerable
Flora at Black Swamp is diverse with 76 wetland dependent species having been recorded since 2008. Only four
species listed as threatened have been recorded at Black Swamp and are shown in table 2. Black Swamp contains
a significant population of the EPBC (1999) listed River swamp Wallaby-grass (Amphibromus fliutans) which
emerges in autumn. Water Nymph (Najas tenufolia), which is classified as Rare in Victoria was first recorded at
Black Swamp in February 2016.
Table 2. Listed wetland dependent flora recorded at Black Swamp.
Common Name Scientific Name EPBC FFG VROTS
River Swamp Wallaby-grass Amphibromus fluitans Vulnerable Poorly Known
Riverine Bitter-cress Cardmine moirensis Rare
Water Nymph Najas tenuifolia Rare
Winged Water-starwort Callitriche umbonata Rare
5Goulburn Broken Wetlands
DOCTORS SWAMP
Doctors Swamp is a 200 hectare red gum swamp managed by Parks Victoria (Image 2). It is listed as bioregionally
significant in the National Land and Water Resource Audit (CoA, 2002) and is considered one of the most intact
red gum swamps in Victoria (Cook et al., 2010).
Image 2. Click on the image to watch a flyover of Doctors Swamp in the 2016 floods.
Environmental water can be delivered to the swamp via an inlet on the Cattanach Canal when it is running at
2500 ML/day or above. Flow in the Cattanach Canal is influenced by the operation of Waranga Basin. During
spring flow can be inconsistent, which limits delivery opportunities. Flow is often more consistent during
summer, autumn and winter providing greater delivery opportunities. The surrounding catchment is largely
unmodified, so the wetland receives a near natural flood regime. Consequently, the wetland may only require
environmental water during extended dry periods or to enhance natural inundation events to ensure the success
of bird breeding events or to provide optimal growth conditions for water dependent vegetation. Doctors
Swamp meets a number of criteria outlined in Schedule 8 of the Basin Plan – Criteria for identifying an
environmental asset. This includes criteria 1b, 2c, 4c and 5a&b (refer to appendix 1 for criteria description).
6Goulburn Broken Wetlands
Doctors Swamp provides habitat for 55 wetland dependent fauna species. Eight of these species are listed as
threatened and are shown in table 3.
Table 3. Listed wetland dependent fauna recorded at Doctors Swamp.
Common Name Scientific Name EPBC FFG VROTS
Australasian Shoveler Anas rhynchotis Vulnerable
Blue-billed Duck Oxyura australis Listed Endangered
Brolga Grus rubicunda Listed Vulnerable
Eastern Great Egret Ardea modesta Listed Vulnerable
Hardhead Aythaya australis Vulnerable
Musk Duck Bizura lobate Vulnerable
Nankeen Night Heron Nycticorax caledonicus Near Threatened
Royal Spoonbill Platalea regia Vulnerable
Diversity of wetland dependent flora at Doctors Swamp is high with 85 species having been recorded since 2008.
Eight species are listed as threatened and are show in table 4.
Table 4. Listed wetland dependent flora recorded at Doctors Swamp.
Common Name Scientific Name EPBC FFG VROTS
Grey Spike Sedge Eleocharis macbarroni Poorly known
Long Eryngium Eryngium paludosum Vulnerable
Narrow-fruited Water-starwort Callitriche palustris Poorly known
Open Marshwort Nymphoides geminate Rare
Riverine Bittercress Cardamine moirensis Rare
Slender Water-ribbons Triglochin dubia Rare
Smooth Nardoo Marsilea mutica Poorly known
7Goulburn Broken Wetlands
GAYNOR SWAMP
Gaynor Swamp is a 303 hectare cane grass dominated wetland located 7 km south-east of Corop. The wetland
is on public land managed by Parks Victoria and is listed under A Directory of Important Wetlands in Australia
(EA, 2001) under the Wallenjoe Wetlands. The wetland is valued for its rarity, species diversity and waterbird
habitat (GBCMA, 2012). When wet, it supports thousands of waterbirds, including international migratory
species and the threatened Brolga (Grus rubicunda). A structure to facilitate the delivery of environmental water
to the wetland has been designed and is expected to be constructed by autumn 2018.
Gaynor Swamp is situated in a landscape that is dominated by paleo saline soils which creates increased salt
levels at the site compared to other wetlands in the Goulburn Broken Catchment. Saline water can also enter
the swamp via Lake Cooper during times of flood.
Because of these higher salt concentrations, different species of fauna can be found utilising the wetland.
Species such as the Red-necked Avocet (Recurvirostra novaehollandiae) have been recorded at the Swamp upon
draw down when salinity levels are at their highest. Gaynor Swamp meets a number of criteria outlined in
Schedule 8 of the Basin Plan – Criteria for identifying an environmental asset. This includes criteria 1b, 3b, 4c and
5a &b (refer to appendix 1 for criteria description).
To date 66 wetland dependent fauna species have been recorded at Gaynor Swamp. Of these species 18 have
been listed as threatened (see table 5).
Table 5. Listed wetland dependent fauna recorded at Gaynor Swamp.
Common Name Scientific Name EPBC FFG VROTS
Australasian Bittern Botaurus poiciloptilus Endangered Listed Endangered
Australasian Shoveler Anas rhynchotis Vulnerable
Australian Little Bittern Ixobrychus dubius Listed Endangered
Blue-billed Duck Oxyura australis Listed Endangered
Brolga Grus rubicunda Listed Vulnerable
Brown Quail Coturnix ypsilophora australis Near Threatened
Caspian Tern Hydroprogne caspia Listed Near Threatened
Eastern Great Egret Ardea modesta Listed Vulnerable
Freckled Duck Stictonetta naevosa Listed Endangered
Glossy Ibis Plegadis falcinellus Near Threatened
Hardhead Aythaya australis Vulnerable
Intermediate Egret Ardea intermedia Listed Critically Endangered
Latham's Snipe Gallinago hardwickii Near Threatened
Little Egret Egretta garzetta nigripes Listed Endangered
Musk Duck Bizura lobata Vulnerable
Royal Spoonbill Platalea regia Vulnerable
Whiskered Tern Chlidonias hybridus javanicus Near Threatened
White-bellied Sea Eagle Haliaeetus leucogaster Listed Vulnerable
54 wetland dependent flora species have been recorded at Gaynor Swamp since 2008. Of these species only two
are listed as threatened and are shown in table 6.
Table 6. Listed wetland dependent flora recorded at Gaynor Swamp.
Common Name Scientific Name EPBC FFG VROTS
Salt Paperbark Melaleuca halmaturorum subsp. Halmaturorum Listed Vulnerable
Spiny Lignum Muehlenbeckia horrida subsp. horrida Rare
8Goulburn Broken Wetlands
KINNAIRDS WETLAND
Kinnaird Wetland is a 96 hectare red gum swamp managed by Goulburn-Murray Water and Moira Shire (Image
3). Water can be delivered to the wetland via the Murray Valley 5/3 (MV 5/3) channel which outfalls into the
Muckatah Main drain and flows directly into the wetland.
Image 3. Click on the image to watch a flyover of Kinnairds Wetland in the 2016 floods.
The delivery of environmental water depends upon irrigation demands and can only occur when there is spare
channel capacity. Past environmental water allocations have seen agreements between Goulburn-Murray Water
and the Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority to allow the MV 5/3 channel to operate after the
irrigation season has closed. This has allowed efficient and effective environmental water delivery to the swamp.
Due to significant changes to natural flow paths in the surrounding catchment and the regulation of the Broken
Creek, the wetland may only receive flood water during wet years (flooding and high rainfall). Therefore, the
wetland may require environmental water to provide a more natural flooding regime and enhance natural
inundation events to ensure the success of bird breeding events or to provide optimal growth conditions for
water dependent vegetation. Kinnairds wetland has a diverse number of fauna and flora species. Kinnairds
Wetland meets a number of criteria outlined in Schedule 8 of the Basin Plan – Criteria for identifying an
environmental asset. This includes criteria 1b, 3b, 4b&c and 5a&b (refer to appendix 1 for criteria description).
9Goulburn Broken Wetlands
A total of 83 wetland dependent fauna species have been recorded at the site. Of these species, 19 are listed as
threatened and are shown in table 7. Kinnairds Wetland is a significant wetland for Royal Spoonbill (Platalea
regia) breeding.
Table 7. Listed wetland dependent fauna recorded at Kinnairds Wetland.
Common Name Scientific Name EPBC FFG VROTS
Australasian Bittern Botaurus poiciloptilus Endangered L Endangered
Australasian Shoveler Anas rhynchotis Vulnerable
Ballions Crake Porzana pusilla L Vulnerable
Blue-billed Duck Oxyura australis L Endangered
Brolga Grus rubicunda L Vulnerable
Brown Quail Coturnix ypsilophora australis Near Threatened
Eastern Great Egret Ardea modesta L Vulnerable
Freckled Duck Stictonetta naevosa L Endangered
Glossy Ibis Plegadis falcinellus Near Threatened
Hardhead Aythaya australis Vulnerable
Intermediate Egret Ardea intermedia L Critically Endangered
Latham's Snipe Gallinago hardwickii Near Threatened
Little Egret Egretta garzetta nigripes L Endangered
Magpie Goose Anseranas semipalmata L Near Threatened
Nankeen Night Heron Nycticorax caledonicus Near Threatened
Pied Cormorant Phalacrocorax varius Near Threatened
Royal Spoonbill Platalea regia Vulnerable
Whiskered Tern Chlidonias hybridus javanicus Near Threatened
White-bellied Sea Eagle Haliaeetus leucogaster L Vulnerable
Wetland dependent flora at Kinnairds Wetland is diverse with a total of 85 species having been recorded at the
site since 2008. Of these species, seven are listed as threatened and are shown in table 8. Kinnairds Wetland
has the largest known recorded population of the EPBC (1999) listed Rigid Water Milfoil (Myriophyllum
porcatum).
Table 8. Listed wetland dependent flora recorded at Kinnairds Wetland.
Common Name Scientific Name EPBC FFG VROTS
Bluish raspwort Haloragis glauca f. glauca Poorly Known
Rigid Water-milfoil Myriophyllum porcatum Vulnerable Listed Vulnerable
Riverine Bitter-cress Cardmine moirensis Rare
Slender Water-milfoil Myriophyllum gracile var. lineare Listed Endangered
Small-flower Mud-mat Glossostigma cleistanthum Vulnerable
Variable Spike-sedge Eleocharis minuta Endangered
Winged Water-starwort Callitriche umbonata Rare
10Goulburn Broken Wetlands
MOODIE SWAMP
Moodie Swamp is a 180 hectare cane-grass wetland managed by Parks Victoria (Image 4). It is listed under A
Directory of Important Wetlands in Australia (EA, 2001) as part of the Broken Creek.
Image 4. Click on the image to watch a flyover of Moodie Swamp in the 2016 floods.
Water can be delivered to the swamp via a water delivery channel from the upper Broken Creek. Currently
Moodie Swamp has a Commonwealth Environmental Water Office schedule in place for up to 1GL for a three
year period (2015-16, 16-17, 17-18) plus the ability to trade water into the Broken System can allow the VEWH
or CEWH to trade volumes in to meet demands in the Broken system where available. There has been no survey
or modelling of catchment conditions to determine changes to the natural frequency and duration of flooding
events at Moodie Swamp. However, it is likely the frequency and duration of flooding at Moodie Swamp has
been reduced by the regulation of the Broken River and Broken Creek (SKM, 2006). Therefore, the wetland may
require environmental water to provide a more natural flooding regime and enhance natural inundation events
to ensure the success of bird breeding events or to provide optimal growth conditions for water dependent
vegetation.
Moodie Swamp meets a number of criteria outlined in Schedule 8 of the Basin Plan – Criteria for identifying an
environmental asset. This includes criteria 1b, 3b, 4a&c and 5a&b (refer to appendix 1 for criteria description).
11Goulburn Broken Wetlands
Moodie Swamp provides important Brolga (Grus rubicunda) breeding habitat and other wetland dependent
species. Since monitoring of the site began in 2008, 65 species of wetland dependent fauna have been recorded
at the site. Of these species 16 are listed as threatened and are shown in table 9. The Blue-billed Duck (Oxyura
australis) was first recorded at the site in December 2016.
Table 9. Listed wetland dependent species recorded at Moodie Swamp.
Common Name Scientific Name EPBC FFG VROTS
Australasian Bittern Botaurus poiciloptilus Endangered Listed Endangered
Australasian Shoveler Anas rhynchotis Vulnerable
Blue-billed Duck Oxyura australis Listed Endangered
Brolga Grus rubicunda Listed Vulnerable
Brown Quail Coturnix ypsilophora australis Near Threatened
Caspian Tern Hydroprogne caspia Listed Near Threatened
Eastern Great Egret Ardea modesta Listed Vulnerable
Glossy Ibis Plegadis falcinellus Near Threatened
Hardhead Aythaya australis Vulnerable
Intermediate Egret Ardea intermedia Listed Critically Endangered
Musk Duck Bizura lobata Vulnerable
Nankeen Night Heron Nycticorax caledonicus Near Threatened
Pied Cormorant Phalacrocorax varius Near Threatened
Royal Spoonbill Platalea regia Vulnerable
Whiskered Tern Chlidonias hybridus javanicus Near Threatened
White-bellied Sea Eagle Haliaeetus leucogaster Listed Vulnerable
Flora at Moodie Swamp continues to change as a more natural wetting and drying regime occurs with the
assistance of environmental water. Monitoring in 2008 indicated that Cane grass (Eragrostis infecunda) was a
dominant species within the wetland. Since the wetlands watering regime has changed and it has begun to show
signs of an aquatic herb land. The wetland has 42 species of wetland dependent flora and includes a large
population of the EPBC (1999) listed Rigid Water Milfoil (Myriophyllum porcatum). Of these species ten are listed
as threatened and are shown in table 10.
Table 10. Listed wetland depended flora recorded at Moodie Swamp.
Common Name Scientific Name EPBC FFG VROTS
Bluish raspwort Haloragis glauca f.glauca Poorly known
Dwarf Brooklime Gratiola pumilo Rare
Groundsel Senecio campylocarpus Rare
In-land Club-sedge Isolepis australiensis Poorly known
Rigid Water-milfoil Myriophyllum porcatum Vulnerable Listed Vulnerable
Riverine Bitter-cress Cardmine moirensis Rare
Slender Water-milfoil Myriophyllum gracile var. lineare Listed Endangered
Slender Water-ribbons Triglochin dubia Rare
Wavy Marshwort Nymphoides crenata Listed Vulnerable
Winged Water-starwort Callitriche umbonata Rare
12Goulburn Broken Wetlands
REEDY SWAMP
Reedy Swamp is a 130 hectare palustrine, temporary freshwater swamp on the Goulburn River (Image 5). The
site is managed by Parks Victoria and is listed under A Directory of Important Wetlands in Australia (EA, 2001)
as part of the Lower Goulburn River Floodplain listing.
Image 5. Click on the image to watch a flyover of Reedy Swamp in the 2016 floods.
Reedy Swamp meets a number of criteria outlined in Schedule 8 of the Basin Plan – Criteria for identifying an
environmental asset. This includes criteria 1b, 3a&b, 4c and 5a&b (refer to appendix 1 for criteria description).
13Goulburn Broken Wetlands
Reedy Swamp is an important colonial waterbird breeding site and drought refuge. Since monitoring began in
2008, 104 wetland dependent species have been recorded of which 24 are listed as threatened (Table 11). It is
also an important stopover site for migratory birds such as Sharp-tailed (Calidris acuminata) and Marsh (Tringa
stagnatilis) Sandpipers.
Table 11. Listed wetland dependent fauna recorded at Reedy Swamp.
Common Name Scientific Name EPBC FFG VROTS
Australasian Shoveler Anas rhynchotis Vulnerable
Australian Little Bittern Ixobrychus dubius Listed Endangered
Ballions Crake Porzana pusilla Listed Endangered
Blue-billed Duck Oxyura australis Listed Endangered
Brolga Grus rubicunda Listed Vulnerable
Brown Quail Coturnix ypsilophora australis Near Threatened
Caspian Tern Hydroprogne caspia Listed Near Threatened
Common Long-neck Turtle Chelodina longicolis Data Deficient
Eastern Great Egret Ardea modesta Listed Vulnerable
Flat-headed Galaxias Galaxias rostratus Vulnerable
Freckled Duck Stictonetta naevosa Listed Endangered
Glossy Ibis Plegadis falcinellus Near Threatened
Hardhead Aythaya australis Vulnerable
Intermediate Egret Ardea intermedia Listed Critically Endangered
Latham's Snipe Gallinago hardwickii Near Threatened
Lewin’s Rail Lewinia pectoralis Listed Vulnerable
Little Egret Egretta garzetta nigripes Listed Endangered
Murray River Turtle Emydura macquari Vulnerable
Musk Duck Bizura lobata Vulnerable
Nankeen Night Heron Nycticorax caledonicus Near Threatened
Pied Cormorant Phalacrocorax varius Near Threatened
Royal Spoonbill Platalea regia Vulnerable
Whiskered Tern Chlidonias hybridus javanicus Near Threatened
White-bellied Sea Eagle Haliaeetus leucogaster Listed Vulnerable
Reedy Swamp contains a mosaic of Ecological Vegetation Classes including Tall Marsh, Floodway Pond Herbland
and Rushy Riverine Swamp. 85 wetland dependent flora species have been recorded at the site since 2008. Of
these species five are listed as threatened and are shown in Table 12.
Table 12. Listed wetland dependent flora recorded at Reedy Swamp.
Common Name Scientific Name EPBC FFG VROTS
Annual Bitter-cress Cardamine paucijuga s.l Vulnerable
Groundsel Senecio campylocarpus Rare
Sand Rush Juncus psammophilius Rare
Small Scurf Pea Cullen parvum Endangered Listed Endangered
Woolly Knotweed Persicaria lapthifolia (floccose form) Poorly known
Environmental water can be delivered to Reedy Swamp via Central Goulburn Channel 12 (CG 12), which outfalls
into Shepparton Drain 3. Shepparton Drain 3 can then be diverted into Reedy Swamp. The delivery of
environmental water depends upon irrigation demands and can only occur when there is spare channel capacity.
14Goulburn Broken Wetlands
Past environmental water allocations have seen agreements between Goulburn-Murray Water the Goulburn
Broken Catchment Management Authority and Parks Victoria to allow the previous delivery channel CG 19/12
to remain open after the irrigation season. This has allowed efficient and effective environmental water delivery
to the swamp.
Goulburn River flows sufficient to naturally inundate the swamp are approximately 20,000 ML/day (or 8.5m)
(Graph 1). Natural inundation from Goulburn River into Reedy Swamp occurred twice in 2016 (Graph 1). The
wetland usually requires environmental water during extended dry periods or to enhance natural inundation
events to ensure the success of bird breeding events or to provide optimal growth conditions for water
dependent vegetation.
Graph 1. Red line indicates flows of over 20,000ML in the Goulburn River and inundating Reedy Swamp.
Graph taken from BOM water data website (www.bom.gov.au/waterdata) and modified by GB CMA.
15Goulburn Broken Wetlands
STOCKYARD PLAIN
Stockyard Plain is cane grass dominated wetland located north east of Waranga Basin and is approximately 200
hectares (Image 6). The wetland is on both public (managed by DELWP) and private land and is of bioregional
significance listed under the National Land and Water Resource Audit (CoA, 2002).
Image 6. Click on the image to watch a flyover of Stockyard Plain in the 2016 floods.
The wetland is valued for its rarity and waterbird habitat (DPI, 2010) When wet, it provides important breeding
habitat for the threatened Brolga (Grus rubicunda). Infrastructure exists to allow the delivery of environmental
water to the wetland. However, before this can occur agreements with the private landholders need to be
established. Stockyard Plain meets a number of criteria outlined in Schedule 8 of the Basin Plan – Criteria for
identifying an environmental asset. This includes criteria 1b, 3b, 4a&c and 5a&b (refer to appendix 1 for criteria
description).
16Goulburn Broken Wetlands
Stockyard Plain is a highly diverse site with 42 wetland depended fauna species having been recorded. Of these
species, seven are listed as threatened and are shown in Table 13.
Table 13. Listed wetland dependent fauna recorded at Stockyard Plain.
Common Name Scientific Name EPBC FFG VROTS
Australasian Bittern Botaurus poiciloptilus Endangered Listed Endangered
Australasian Shoveler Anas rhynchotis Vulnerable
Brolga Grus rubicunda Listed Vulnerable
Eastern Great Egret Ardea modesta Listed Vulnerable
Hardhead Aythaya australis Vulnerable
Pied Cormorant Phalacrocorax varius Near Threatened
Royal Spoonbill Platalea regia Vulnerable
Stockyard Plain has 40 wetland dependent flora species. Of these species, four are listed as threatened and are
shown in Table 14.
Table 14. Listed wetland dependent flora recorded at Stockyard Plain.
Common Name Scientific Name EPBC FFG VROTS
Rigid Water-milfoil Myriophyllum porcatum Vulnerable Listed Vulnerable
River Swamp Wallaby-grass Amphibromus fluitans Vulnerable Poorly known
Riverine Bitter-cress Cardmine moirensis Rare
Sand Rush Juncus psammophilius Rare
17Goulburn Broken Wetlands
ENGAGEMENT
This plan was prepared by the Goulburn Broken CMA with input from the Goulburn Broken Wetland Technical
Reference Group, Goulburn Broken Wetland Management Group, Goulburn-Murray Water and Parks Victoria.
The primary stakeholders that are engaged under this proposal are:
Agencies involved in delivering the environmental water which includes Goulburn Murray Water, the
Victorian Environmental Water Holder and the Commonwealth Environmental Water Holder.
Relevant land managers including Parks Victoria, Goulburn-Murray Water and Moira Shire.
Goulburn-Murray Water is the key delivery agency and once the final proposal for 2017-2018 is agreed,
communications with Goulburn-Murray Water will be aimed at making clear what the intended environmental
delivery plans are and their intended purpose. Throughout the delivery season, there will be regular
communication directly with the water resource management group to organise environmental water deliveries
and understand the potential delivery opportunities and constraints.
The Victorian Environmental Water Holder will use the proposal to assist with the development of the
Seasonal Watering Plan 2017-2018. Water allocated is to be delivered in accordance with the plan, and if
required will be used to seek agreement from other water holders for the use of their water.
The Commonwealth Environmental Water Holder may have allocated water to sites within the Seasonal
Watering Plan, based on this proposal. Routine communication on the delivery of water under the plan will be
via the Victorian Environmental Water Holder.
Parks Victoria is the land manager for all wetlands identified in this proposal with the exception of Kinnairds
Wetland, which is managed by Goulburn-Murray Water and the Moira Shire and Stockyard Plain is part privately
owned and partly managed by Department of Environment Land Water and Planning. Following the approval of
the proposal by the Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority Board the CMA will liaise with the land
managers on its content, seek their advice on its implementation and seek formal written approval from them
to implement the proposal.
The secondary audience is those potentially affected by or interested in the delivery of environmental water to
wetlands. This group includes wetland advisory groups and the Yorta Yorta Nation Aboriginal Corporation.
Wetland advisory groups were consulted during the development of the seasonal watering proposal. Difficulties
in obtaining meeting times with Yorta Yorta Nation Aboriginal Corporation means the group were consulted
after the proposal was finalised.
To assist with the environmental water management program, the Goulburn Broken CMA established the
Goulburn and Broken Environmental Water Advisory Groups to provide advice on planning environmental water
use (including seasonal watering proposals and water management plans) and on any environmental health
trends occurring in the rivers, creeks and wetlands. The group was established in April 2012 and is comprised of
community members who range from differing geographic locations along the Goulburn and Broken Rivers or
adjacent to wetlands. The group also includes representatives from key agency partners (such as Goulburn-
Murray Water). In 2017-2018 the group will be informed and consulted on the seasonal watering proposals
development.
The Goulburn Broken Wetland Technical Reference Group is made up of consultants from Rakali Consulting and
academia from Monash and La Trobe Universities. Wetland sites were visited by the group in January 2017 to
discuss environmental water options for 2017-2018 delivery. The group assisted with the development of
environmental water priorities for wetlands for 2017-2018.
18Goulburn Broken Wetlands
The Goulburn Broken Wetland Management Group is made up of both industry and community members
including Parks Victoria, Goulburn Murray Landcare Network, Goulburn-Murray Water, Moira Shire, City of
Greater Shepparton, Victorian Environmental Water Holder and Yorta Yorta. This group was informed about
wetland environmental water priorities in February 2017.
In addition, the Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority will inform the broader community about
the decision to provide environmental water to wetlands and what it is trying to achieve. The Goulburn Broken
Catchment Management Authority will also seek to build a public understanding of how natural wetland flood
regimes have changed and how we are using environmental water to improve wetland health. This will be
achieved through media articles and talks directly with special interest groups and school groups.
A draft plan was also submitted to the board members of the Goulburn Broken Catchment Management
Authority on the 21st April 2017.
Table 15 outlines the consultation process the Goulburn Broken Catchment Management authority has and will
undertake during the development and implementation of this seasonal water proposal. All communication
activities will be undertaken in accordance with the communication and media protocols of the VEWH.
19Goulburn Broken Wetlands
Table 15. Seasonal watering proposal development and implementation consultation process
Who Engaged on the 2017- Engagement Engaged longer term strategies that have informed the 2017-18 seasonal watering proposal
18 seasonal watering methods
proposal Environmental Water Engagement Regional Waterway Engagement
Management Plans Methods strategy methods
Program Partners Goulburn Murray Formal advisory Goulburn Murray Water Formal advisory Goulburn Murray Formal advisory
Water groups groups Water groups
Parks Victoria
VEWH Direct engagement Direct engagement Parks Victoria Direct engagement
Department of
Parks Victoria Sustainability and Department of
Environment (now Environment and
DEWLP) Primary Industries
(now DEWLP)
Recreational Users Field and Game Formal advisory Field and Game Formal advisory Community Formal advisory
groups groups reference group groups
Trellys Fishing and
Hunting Direct engagement VR Fish Direct engagement
Goulburn Valley
Association of
Angling Clubs
Australian Trout
Foundation
Trellys Tackle World
Native Fish Australia
Future Fish
Foundation
Environment Goulburn Murray Formal advisory Goulburn Murray Formal advisory N/A N/A
Groups Landcare Network groups Landcare Network groups
GVeg GVeg
Turtles Australia
Kinnairds Wetland
Advisory Committee
Landholders Land owners that Direct engagement N/A N/A N/A N/A
adjoin wetlands that
receive environmental
water and use the
delivery channel
Traditional Owners Yorta Yorta Formal advisory Yorta Yorta Formal advisory Yorta Yorta Direct engagement
groups groups
Tangurung Clans
Direct engagement
Local Councils City of Greater Formal advisory Moira Shire Formal advisory Mansfield Shire Direct engagement
Shepparton groups groups Council
Moira Shire Direct engagement Direct engagement
Consultants Rakali Consulting Direct engagement Rakali Consulting Direct engagement Riverness Direct engagement
Advisory Groups Goulburn Broken Direct engagement Goulburn Broken Direct engagement N/A N/A
Wetland Management Wetland Management
Group Group
Goulburn Broken Direct Engagement N/A N/A
Wetland Technical
Reference Group
Student Groups Katandra West Direct engagement N/A N/A N/A N/A
Primary School with all schools
Congupna Primary
School
Dookie Primary School
Tallygaroopna Primary
School
Invergordon Primary
School
Lemnos Primary
School
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