Wetland Management
Restoring wetlands and improving water quality in the Clarence Valley
Contributor:
Peter Wilson
Project Manager
Clarence Valley Council Floodplain Services
June 2006
For the past century people in the Clarence Valley (North Coast NSW) have been constructing drains, floodgates and other structures in order to protect themselves from the impact of floods. Whilst bringing many benefits, these floods mitigation works have also had an adverse impact on the environment. Poor water quality, fish kills, acid problems and the loss or drying out of some natural wetland areas are all associated problems.
The Clarence Floodplain Project aims to rectify these problems while still providing flood protection when needed. Through this Project the Clarence Valley Council has embarked upon a successful program of active floodgate management.
Here is a rundown on the projects currently underway in the Clarence Valley.
Coastal Floodplain and Acid Sulfate Soil Management Project
This project is being undertaken on six watercourses on Harwood Island. Tidal gates have been manufactured and lifting devices are nearing completion. These will increase tidal exchange to approximately 60 km of creeks and drains and help to improve water quality and provide fish passage
Managing the Coldstream Catchment
This project has been designed to address several problems experienced in the Coldstream catchment including ‘blackwater’ events, acid sulfate soils, barriers to fish passage, wetland deterioration, vegetation management and erosion. Project outcomes will include the establishment of Drain Management Plans and the modification of at least two existing structures and their active management.
Clarence Drain Management Program
A range of management options is currently under discussion with landholders on the Lower Southgate/Shorts Drains. The main concern landholders have is that of salt water inundating low lying land. However they are interested in the potential for wet pasture management at specific times of the year. For this reason it is proposed to install a winch, which will be operated by landholders when appropriate. This will also assist in improving water quality.
Poverty Creek
Side drain works on seven Poverty Creek drains have just been completed. These works will prevent saline water from entering low lying cane and pastoral lands. A tidal floodgate has also been installed at the main floodgates, which will return tidal exchange to the creek system behind the floodgate, improving water quality and habitat for aquatic fauna.
Works to install tidal gates will soon be commencing on two sites adjacent to Poverty Creek, McFarlane’s and Montague’s drains.
Project Brief 12 – Wooloweyah Ring Drain
The main focus of this project will be to look at ways of improving water quality within the drainage system without adversely impacting on agricultural production. A joint monitoring program is currently being developed between CFP and the University of New England for the Wooloweyah and Palmers Channel area.
A wetland site has also been identified for a partnership project between the CFP and WetlandCare. Initial inspections and design works have been completed and WetlandCare have been engaged to undertake the rehabilitation work.
Complementary Drain Works Project at Swan Creek
Investigations are being carried out into the possibility of upgrading the old penstock lifting devices in Swan Creek. The aim is to improve the environmental management of backswamp areas and those sections of the creek behind the penstocks, by assisting with acid sulfate soil management and the maintenance of fish and water bird habitat.
General Achievements
The Clarence Floodplain Project is now in its 9th year. Drain and watercourse Management Plans now exceed 50 and more than 240 individual landholders are involved. If you would like to be kept informed of CFP projects and research findings via a quarterly newsletter, please contact the CFP office on 02 6641 7350 or cvfs@clarence.nsw.gov.au with your details.
For more information, please contact:
Peter Wilson
Project Manager
Clarence Valley Council Floodplain Services
Locked Bag 23
Grafton NSW 2460
Ph: 02 6641 7350
Email: cvfs@clarence.nsw.gov.au
www.clarence.nsw.gov.au
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