Lachlan CMA Catchment Action Plan Review Summary · Action Plan Review process began with a two-day workshop designed to assess the Lachlan CMA achievements over the past five years

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Lachlan CMA Catchment Action Plan Review Summary

The Catchment Action Plan reflects community values to determine actions for the management of the precious natural resource that is our Catchment; to preserve its natural and cultural heritage and build a sustainable future for all the communities that call it home.

In our quest to achieve this vision, the Catchment Action Plan is the single-most important document. The Catchment Action Plan outlines the strategic direction and goals for natural resource management in the Catchment. It sets forth – for us and everyone else that lives, works and is invested in the Catchment - what we need to do, how we aim to go about it and how we measure our success. It’s developed in consultation with the community and it is understood as a living document – subject to ongoing review and updated to ensure it remains relevant and useful.

The 2006 Catchment Action Plan outlines the framework for natural resource management activities within the Catchment through to 2016. It’s built around the four main pillars or themes of Biodiversity and Native Vegetation, Water and Aquatic Ecosystems, Land Management, and People and Community. Pivotal to the Catchment Action Plan’s success is the setting of clear and specific Catchment and Management Targets.

This Review of the 2006 Catchment Action Plan is a key step in the ongoing

learning, growth and development in our collective approach to improving the Catchment landscape and supporting vibrant communities. The document looks back at the achievements against the targets of the 2006 Catchment Action Plan. The findings will inform an upgrade of the Catchment Action Plan that builds on the partnerships, experience and skills gained by the community, stakeholders and government organisations that work together to improve and manage the Catchment.

Catchment Action Plan: a work in progress

The review process is a key step in the ongoing learning and growth of

natural resource management in the Catchment.

Lachlan CMA Catchment Action Plan Review Summary 1

2 Catchment Action Plan

In 2011, relevant data was collated and the Catchment Action Plan Review process began with a two-day workshop designed to assess the Lachlan CMA achievements over the past five years against each of these Catchment Action Plan Catchment and Management targets.

Lachlan CMA managers, theme leaders, Catchment coordinators and Catchment officers participated in the workshop. Their discussions of achievements and lessons learnt were recorded and incorporated with further data about Catchment projects and investments to provide the description of achievements in the full Catchment Action Plan Review document. Input is now sought from community, stakeholders and other government organisations to build a richer picture of the collective achievements in the Catchment.

The Catchment Action Plan Review workshop findings indicate that Lachlan CMA, with significant input from other organisations such as Local Government and other NSW Agencies, is on track to achieve the targets identified in the 2006 Catchment Action Plan. This document is a summarised version of progress against targets as measured by standard outputs until June 2011.

A brief introduction to the topic of each Catchment Target is provided followed by the results achieved against each target. For each Management Target a result statement and associated comments are provided, along with a traffic light assessment of progress. (Green = on track or achieved; Amber = potential, requires additional effort; Red = unlikely or not possible to report.)

Lachlan CMA is on track to achieve the targets identified in the 2006 Catchment Action Plan.

Figure 1: Overview of on ground investments by Lachlan CMA



Main Heading

Lachlan Catchment spans an area of 8,622,732 hectares which includes 3,484,857 hectares of remnant woody vegetation, representing 40% of the total area. 707,534 hectares or 20% of this remnant woody vegetation is on private property.

527 native vertebrate species have been identified within the Lachlan Catchment. This consists of 16 fish, 30 amphibians, 108 reptiles, 309 birds and 64 mammals. As a general pattern, the diversity of species decreases from east to west.

Assessments of the overall sustainability of native species in the Catchment varies and findings include:

• an expert opinion based assessment found that only 185 or 35% of species are secure;

• an assessment based on available monitoring data results found that of the 125 species for which data was considered adequate for assessment, only four or 3% of species have good or very good sustainability; and

• over 130 or 25% of native species in the Lachlan Catchment are listed threatened, endangered or vulnerable at Australian and NSW Government levels.

Biodiversity and native vegetation Did you know?

n Lachlan Catchment spans an area of 8,622,732 hectares

n 527 native vertebrate species have been identified within the Lachlan Catchment. This consists of 16 fish, 30 amphibians, 108 reptiles, 309 birds and 64 mammals

Figure 2: Investment in biodiversity works over years



Catchment Target 1.

By 2016 there is an increase of 145,000 hectares of terrestrial native vegetation that is being actively managed for biodiversity conservation.

Protection and condition improvement of remnants has occurred across 166,800 hectares. New vegetation has been established on 7,532 hectares and 4,175 hectares of vegetation have been cleared.

While there are now 170,157 hectares of native vegetation being managed for biodiversity conservation, the extent of change in management and condition change is as yet unknown. Baseline monitoring has been completed and over time change will be detectable in these sites, showing condition improvement at the site of CMA investment. On the Catchment level, a collectively large area of sites is required to gain a measurable and significant improvement in native vegetation.

How to read the Catchment Action Plan Review SummaryA brief introduction to the topic of each Catchment Target is provided and followed by the results achieved against the target. For each management target a result statement and associated comments are provided in tables. Colour coding indicates the assessment of progress.

Key: n = on track or achieved

n = potential: requires additional effort

n = unlikely or not possible to report

Figure 3: Scale of investments in native vegetation condition and extent improvement (in hectares)

Native vegetation3,484,857

Non native vegetation area4,985,143

Conserved forbiodiversity 178,507

Revegetation 7,532

Remnant vegetation management agreement166,800

Cleared 4,4175

Table 1: Results against Management Targets contributing to Catchment Target 1

Management Target Result and/or comment

Management Target 1. By 2016 20,000ha of terrestrial native vegetation managed for biodiversity conservation in perpetuity.

12,181ha of biodiversity conservation have been conserved through the Native Vegetation Act (2003). This is made up of 6,906ha of offsets registered as a requirement for clearing permits and 5,291ha processed as Property Vegetation Plan (PVP) incentives.

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Management Target 2. By 2016 100,000ha of terrestrial native vegetation are actively managed for biodiversity conservation through management agreements.

154,619ha of terrestrial native vegetation are currently being managed for biodiversity conservation through 1,644 management agreements held with Lachlan CMA (average of 94ha each). This includes 146,240ha of non-riparian biodiversity conservation managements and 8,379ha of riparian works.

A further 75 agreements covering approximately 6,700ha have been negotiated on behalf of the Australian Government for the management of Grassy Box Woodland EEC under the Stewardship Program.

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Management Target 3. By 2016 20,000ha of native vegetation established through revegetation using local endemic species.

7,532ha of native vegetation (terrestrial and riparian) have been established.The spatial definition of ‘local’ has not been defined in this target. While some organisations advocate for small scale (eg. within property) sourcing of local endemic stock for revegetation works, in practice locally ‘suitable’ species have been used.

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Management Target 4. By 2016 5,000km of corridor habitat is established and/or protected.

Lachlan CMA has participated in several projects to identify corridors or spatial priority areas. The most defined corridor is that of the Western Woodlands Way linking Goobang, Nangar, Conimbla and Weddin National Parks and Dananbilla Nature Reserve. 877,581ha or 18% of the land area within the Western Woodlands Way are under management agreements with the CMA.

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Management Target 5. By 2016 10 Councils within the Catchment have prepared and are implementing local biodiversity strategies consistent with the National and State Biodiversity Guidelines for Local Government.

Of the 11 Councils with the head office in the Catchment, 1 has started developing and 9 have completed a Biodiversity Strategy. Implementation of plans or changes to actions resulting from the planning is unknown.

Lachlan CMA is aware that the Office of Environment & Heritage has provided some support and this achievement is attributed to Local Government and Office of Environment & Heritage collaboration and investment.

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Management Target 6. By 2016 all regional and local land use strategies and environmental planning instruments incorporate provisions which support the protection of environmental assets for the sustainability of the landscape and its native flora and fauna.

All of the 11 Councils with the head office in the Catchment have Local Environmental Plans based on Environmentally Sensitive Area mapping. Expected changes or improvements to the protection of assets is unknown at the Catchment level.

Lachlan CMA is aware that Office of Environment & Heritageprovided some support and this achievement is attributed to Local government and Office of Environment & Heritagecollaboration and investment.

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Management Target 7. By 2016 20 councils are managing roadside reserves in line with Roadside Vegetation Management Plans.

4 councils, collectively covering approximately 12% of the Catchment area, participated in a project to develop a template for roadside management plans.Of the 11 councils with the head office in the Catchment, 10 have a Roadside Vegetation Management Plan for priority roads.

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Management Target 8. By 2016 14 RLPBs develop and implement management plans for travelling stock routes and travelling stock reserves.

Following assessment of on ground condition and threats to biodiversity on 335 sites across the Catchment, biodiversity conservation plans and 10 year management agreements have been developed for 80 sites. The hectares covered by these plans are counted under Management Targets 2 and 3.

The equivalent of 9 RLPBs (four Livestock Health and Pest Authorities) are implementing management plans for travelling stock routes and reserves.

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Cleared 4,4175



Catchment Target 2.

By 2016 the highest priority terrestrial and aquatic threatened flora and fauna species, endangered populations and significant species will be managed for conservation.

Where investments have targeted specific species, as per the list of priority threatened species, management for conservation outcomes is being undertaken. Taking into account works completed to abate loss of vegetation and fragmentation of habitat threats, it is likely that the recoveries of generalist species that have not been specifically targeted are also being assisted.



Management Target 9. By 2016 maintain and improve the populations and diversity of 25 threatened flora and fauna species, and/or endangered populations.

A priority list of 25 threatened species was determined with Office of Environment & Heritage. The result contained 9 flora species, 6 woodland bird species, 3 ground nesting birds (Malleefowl, Bush Stone-curlew, Plains Wanderer), 2 aquatic species (Macquarie Perch, Booroolong Frog), 2 parrots, 1 marsupial (Squirrel Glider), 1 endangered population (Glossy Black-cockatoo) and 1 invertebrate.

Threatened species specific investment has been made for 13 species and/or endangered populations. In time, monitoring conducted as part of these specific investments will be able to determine change in species populations.

It is likely that the investments in focus landscapes, Conimbla and Dananbilla, to improve landscape scale condition, extent and connectivity has had some benefit for the 6 species of woodland birds. Similarly it is likely that riparian and in-stream work done for Macquarie Perch has also benefited the Booroolong Frog.

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Management Target 10. By 2016 identify and implement actions to increase the recovery of significant terrestrial and aquatic populations.

Loss of habitat, pest animals and weed invasion are the top 3 threats to biodiversity. Habitat works and threat abatement actions reported in previous targets (Management Targets 2, 3, 11 and 12) are expected to have promoted population maintenance or recovery by addressing these threats.

The outcomes in regards to species and population recovery resulting from these investments are difficult and costly to measure and are unknown.

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Catchment Target 3.

By 2016 restrict the extent of priority pest animals and environmental weeds.

The Weed Strategy and Pest Animal Strategy work in 2009 identified priority species and appropriate policy responses. Lachlan CMA has focused efforts toward those species impacting on sites of high environmental or cultural significance. In these areas, the extent (and damaging impacts) of the targeted pest animals and environmental

weeds has been restricted. Other efforts in local coordination, communication and landholder awareness or training in regards to pest animals and environmental weeds while important, are not captured within the wording of the set Management Targets.

Figure 4: Locations of on ground works for pest animals and environmental weeds.





Management Target 11. By 2010 an Integrated Weed Management Strategy will be developed. By 2016 priority actions identified in the Integrated Weed Management Strategy will be implemented.

The Lachlan Catchment Weed Strategy was completed in 2009 with strong collaboration and input from the Lachlan Valley Weeds Advisory Group.

Weed control across 1,860ha has occurred through other initiatives such as wetland condition improvement and riparian willow control and have been counted under other targets. This has contributed to the Strategy’s Objective 1.5 Reduce the impacts of weeds on culturally and environmentally significant sites. The weeds controlled have mostly been Category C weeds.

-Management Target 12. By 2010 an Integrated Pest Animal Management Plan will be completed. By 2016 populations of priority environmental pest animals will be controlled and suppressed in accordance with the pest animal management plans.

A pest animal strategy was developed and approved by the Board in 2009.

Largely due to the scales of the western part of the Catchment, a total of 389,310ha of pest animal control have been achieved. This pest animal control has occurred through other initiatives such as threatened species recovery and wetland protection. Malleefowl works have included incentive funding and education on feral goat (high priority pest animal) control/ management across 227,013ha. Investments for wetland condition improvement have included pig (high priority pest animal) control across 162,297ha.

These investments have contributed to the Strategy’s Outcome 2.3 Targeted programs for pest animals impacting on public assets in local areas.

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Water and acquatic ecosystems

Lachlan CMA seeks to address pressures on water quality, water use and the habitats found in-stream, in wetlands and on floodplains.

The water and aquatic ecosystems of the Catchment encompass groundwater and river ecosystems. Lachlan CMA seeks to address pressures on water quality (physical and chemical), water use (surface and groundwater) and pressures on the habitats found in-stream, in wetlands and on floodplains. It also deals with operational influences such as in-stream structures (weirs), flow regimes and flooding. Social values stated by the Lachlan community, such as Aboriginal and Non-Aboriginal cultural values and aesthetics have also been recognised in the Catchment Action Plan.

Many productive agricultural businesses within the Catchment are largely dependent on access to irrigation water, either surface or ground water. The majority of irrigation occurs along the riparian fringe of the Lachlan and Belubula Rivers (except Jemalong Irrigation Area) and associated tributaries and effluent creeks. Competing water users within the Catchment include agricultural irrigators, horticulturalists, industrial, extractive industries, recreational, stock and domestic, town water supply and aquatic habitat protection.



Catchment Target 4.

By 2016, riverine and aquifer ecosystem condition and quality is maintained and improved.

Responsibilities towards components of the riverine and aquifer ecosystem are spread across a number of stakeholders, the respective contributing abilities of which may be limited by political contexts or the substantial cash investment needed. Significant improvement in condition and quality requires effort and coordination across these stakeholders.

The condition of these ecosystems is also significantly impacted on by water availability and drought conditions. However, based on works completed it is expected that the condition and quality of streams in the upper Catchment and significant wetlands have improved.

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Figure 5: Overview of water theme investments in relation to Nationally and Regionally Significant Wetlands



Management Target 13. By 2016 groundwater sources are being managed in accordance with the 4 Groundwater Management Plans.

121,000ML or 39% of groundwater entitlement is managed in accordance with gazetted groundwater sharing plans (Lower Lachlan and Fractured Rock).By early 2012, the NSW Office of Water expects almost all (a further 192,000ML) of the Lachlan Catchment’s groundwater to be managed under the Lachlan Unregulated and Alluvial Water Sharing Plan, which is under development.

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Management Target 14. By 2016, 3 surface water sources are being managed in accordance with the Water Sharing Plans.

4 water sharing plans have been developed with 2 (Lachlan Regulated River and Mandagery Creek) gazetted in 2004. Surface water sources in the Lachlan Regulated River and Mandagery Creek are being managed according to management plan.

The remaining 2 (Lachlan Unregulated and Alluvial and Belubula Regulated) are under development.

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Management Target 15. By 2016 10,000ML of water is delivered more efficiently for the benefit of riverine ecosystems and for identified Aboriginal cultural purposes.

The Lachlan Riverine Working Group (LRWG) has developed the Lachlan Environmental Water Management Plan. This plan looks at the environmental water requirements for the riverine ecosystems in relation to the amount of available water in any one year. Average annual flows estimated as 1,100GL. Required environmental water delivery has been determined under a range of water availability scenarios to appropriate flooding and length of inundation with identified efficiencies gained in delivery approaches.

A total of 29,600ML of planned e-water and 16,624ML of licensed e-water have been used between 2004 and 2011. Also included as e-water are unregulated tributary flows of 35,125ML in 2005-2006.

It is estimated that Round 2 of the Commonwealth’s On Farm Irrigation Water Efficiency Project will bring the total efficiency savings to 7,685ML/year with 6,052ML/year returned to the Commonwealth Environmental Water Holder.

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Management Target 16. By 2016 modify and/or manage 15 structures that are barriers to in-stream migration of native aquatic fauna to extend the connectivity of priority stream lengths.

State Water is required to enable in-stream fish movement as part of legislative requirements during upgrade works. Lachlan CMA has also provided funding for fishway design at Lake Cargelligo and Booligal.

3 structures (Lake Cargelligo, Bumbuggan Weir and Island Creek Weir) have been modified allowing native fish access to larger breeding grounds and genetic diversity for spawning and recruitment purposes. 1 structure (Booligal Weir) is currently under construction.

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Management Target 17. By 2016 the Lachlan River and its tributaries are treated to return water temperature to within 2°C of the median natural range.

The intent of this target relates primarily to cold water pollution resulting from thermal stratification of Wyangala Dam and subsequent releases of this cold water. At the time of target setting, a multilevel off take was under consideration but it needs significant investment (approximately $60million).

Contribution of riparian restoration works to minimising thermal fluctuation on a Catchment level is minimal compared to the impact of cold water pollution from Wyangala Dam.

593km enhanced riparian habitat (shading to minimise water temperature fluctuations).

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Management Target 18. By 2016, 10 Councils have adopted and are implementing an Integrated Water Cycle Management Plan.

Integrated Water Cycle Management is a formal requirement of the Best Practice Management of Water Supply and Sewerage Guidelines. It is a way for local water utilities (often run by local councils) to manage their water systems to maximise benefits to the community and environment. It involves the integration of water supply, sewerage and stormwater so that water is used optimally within a Catchment, state and national policy context.

4 councils (Parkes, Forbes, Weddin and Blayney) have adopted and are implementing an Integrated Water Cycle Management Plan.

-Management Target 19. By 2016 complete and implement a water use efficiency strategy in cooperation with water users.

Originally this target was intended for working with industry groups and early efforts were on an industry basis, such as dairy and viticulture.

Funding gained from the Commonwealth has resulted in market based instruments used to achieve maximum water savings. Tenders were based on individuals rather than industry groups and due to investor preferences, the ability to report this target on an industry group basis is no longer applicable.

-Management Target 20. By 2016 manage 8 nationally significant wetlands and 5 regionally significant wetlands for improved biodiversity conservation.

Of the 8 nationally significant wetlands, 6 are being managed for improved biodiversity conservation. These 6 collectively cover 73,124ha. On ground actions have included:• 1,827ha of wetland native vegetation has been enhanced or rehabilitated and

protected by fencing;• 1,860ha of weed control implemented in the Lower Lachlan as included in

Management Target 11; and• 162,297ha of pig control implemented on the Lower Lachlan as included in

Management Target 12.

Of the 9 regionally significant wetlands, 3 are being managed for improved biodiversity conservation. These 3 cover 163ha.

The implementation of management activities including weed and pest animal control, grazing management, fencing and alternate water and supply of e-water are targeted at reducing the threats to result in improved biodiversity conservation.

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Management Target 21. By 2016 implement activities identified within existing and future floodplain management plans identified as providing environmental benefits.

Of the 8,000ha of high priority floodplain, 7,000ha have been targeted to be restored through Local Government operations plans and the current implementation of the Hillston Floodplain Management Plan.

3 floodplain management plans (Gooloogong to Jemalong Gap, Jemalong to Condobolin and Hillston Floodplain) have been developed by the NSW Office of Environment and Heritage. Through the floodplain planning process 8,100ha of floodplain were identified as high priority in terms of reconnecting flood dependant ecosystems to the river system throughout the Lachlan Catchment.

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Management Target 22. By 2016 improve in-stream habitat at 80 sites.

In stream habitat has been improved at 6 specific sites in the upper Catchment above Wyangala Dam. At these sites, re-snagging has been done for Macquarie Perch habitat. Sites range from 100m to 28km. Given this variation in site size, the use of sites as a measure in this target may be inappropriate.

In addition, the 82 stream bank engineering works and the 593km of riparian habitat enhancement achieved have also had a positive impact on in stream habitat.

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Soil types vary throughout the Catchment from robust and durable to fragile, and from naturally acidic to sodic. Red Fragile Soils are the prevalent soil group, representing 45% of the Catchment and underlie cropping and mixed farming enterprises.

Priority areas for conservation farming have been identified taking into consideration soil type, slope and degradation risk. There are 4,244,653 hectares considered very low or low priority, 2,456,557 hectares of medium priority area and 1,916,906 hectares of high or very high priority area.

Variability in soil type and underlying geology has important implications for management of erosion, nutrients and

salinity. Overall the region’s soils are rated in fair condition with largely stable trends. However many soil management units are rated as poor with respect to organic carbon decline, structure decline, soil acidification, wind and water erosion and salinity. The broadscale adoption of practices that maintain organic matter and build soil carbon is a high priority across the landscape.

Land managed within its capability is rated as fair. However the highest pressure indicators driving this value have been identified as poor to very poor with respect to organic

carbon decline, structure decline, soil acidification and wind and water erosion.

Land management

The broadscale adoption of

practices that maintain organic matter and build

soil carbon is a high priority across

the landscape.



Catchment Target 5.

By 2016 soil health has improved on 870,000 hectares of agricultural land.

The best overall integrator and indicator of improved soil health is the improvement and maintenance of soil organic carbon.

Soil health is modestly higher under minimal or zero tillage with stubble retention compared to traditional tillage with stubble burning. At the scale of the Lachlan Catchment, 70% of farmers reported using zero tillage or reduced tillage practices in 2008, up from 52% in 2003. Whilst change in tillage practice is only part of conservation farming adoption this result suggests an increasing trend towards landholder adoption of conservation farming.

Grazing management for ground cover and the use of perennial pastures improves soil health and reduce erosion and runoff.

Between the cropping and grazing programs, management of groundcover and soil structure has been improved across 632,588 hectares of the Catchment.

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Management of groundcover and soil structure has been improved across 632,588 hectares of the Catchment.

Figure 6: Investments in conservation farming over time




Management Target 23. By 2016 there is an increase of 500,000ha of cropping land managed for optimal groundcover in priority areas.

392,107ha of cropping land is now managed using conservation farming techniques. Land managers have been trained in the benefits and management of optimal groundcover through the Lachlan CMA conservation farming training course.

At the time of the conservation farming evaluation, 266 farmers had implemented on ground projects covering almost 350,000ha. The projects include 50 new conservation tillage machines, 171 converted conservation, tillage machines and 45 GPS stations for inter-row sowing and controlled traffic. The 30 landholders interviewed all stated that that their soil health had improved (better friability, greater infiltration less erosion and better water use efficiency). Most linked this improvement to reducing tillage and retaining stubble.

Priority areas were identified in 2009. Retrospectively, incentives have covered (182,632ha) 9.5% of the high or very high priority areas. This accounts for 38.6% of the total incentives.

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By 2016 250,000ha of grazing land is improved from an annual based pasture system to a diverse perennial pasture that is managed for optimal groundcover in priority areas.

240,481ha of grazing land is managed using conservation grazing through Lachlan CMA agreements (with 6,734ha of perennial pasture establishment, and 233,747ha of pasture management). These encourage a shift from an annual based system to a perennial based system managed for optimal groundcover.

Drought lot areas and training has been provided to properties collectively covering an area of 483,349ha of grazing land. However, due to strong reliance on the assumption that a shift to perennial systems or managing to higher ground cover levels will occur, a precautionary approach has been used and the hectares of improved ground cover from establishing drought lots has not been included.

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Figure 7: Investments in grazing management over time




Management Target 25. By 2016 500,000ha of identified sodic soil landscapes are managed using best management practices to reduce the impacts of surface soil sodicity.

Training, capacity building and on-ground activities that deliver multiple benefits to the landscape through conservation grazing and conservation farming program investments have indirectly addressed the impacts of surface soil sodicity.

A range of soil health issues including sodicity is being addressed through active management of groundcover and minimisation of oil structure decline across 632,588ha of the Catchment managed through Lachlan CMA agreements, as counted through Management Target 23 and 24.

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Management Target 26. By 2016 100,000ha of land susceptible to acidification and naturally acidic lands are managed using best management practices to reduce the impacts of acidity.

670ha specifically addressed for acidity through the application of ameliorant over 7 locations.

Training, capacity building and on-ground activities that deliver multiple benefits to the landscape through conservation grazing and conservation farming program investments have indirectly addressed the impacts of soil acidity.

A range of soil health issues including acidity is being addressed through conservation grazing and conservation farming management practices that maintain groundcover and minimise soil structure decline across the 632,588ha managed under Lachlan CMA agreements, as counted through Management Target 23 and 24.

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Management Target 27. By 2016 100,000ha of saline hazard landscapes will be improved and maintained using actively growing, diverse, perennial-based vegetation systems.

472ha of perennial pasture establishment on specifically targeted saline discharge sites.

Training, capacity building and on-ground activities that deliver multiple benefits to the landscape through conservation grazing and conservation farming program investments have indirectly addressed the impacts of salinity.

A range of soil health issues including salinity are being addressed through active management of groundcover and minimisation of soil structure decline across 632,588ha of the Catchment, as counted through Management Target 23 and 24.

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Management Target 28. By 2016 20,000ha of actively eroding, fragile or severely degraded land are stabilised and/or rehabilitated.

2,024ha stabilised and rehabilitated at 147 sites through Lachlan CMA agreements. Funding was for structural earthworks, structures (flumes) fencing, alternative water points and tree planting.

The priority areas identified for Management Target 23 are based on wind erosion risk. As stated under Management Target 23 182,632ha in priority areas are under improved management to increase ground cover and these are known to reduce wind and water erosion.

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Management Target 29. By 2016 increase community participation in developing and implementing property resource plans and sub Catchment plans.

130 property resource plans have been developed with 201 landholders gaining TAFE accreditation to complete a biophysical farm plan of their property. These plans encompass property infrastructure, soils, vegetation, cultural heritage and future property natural resource and enterprise directions.

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Over 90,000 people live in the Catchment, residing in about 34,000 households. No towns within the Catchment have a population greater than 10,000. There are 19,772 persons under 15 years of age; 55,130 persons between 15 and 64 years; 15,929 persons over 65. The average length of time residents have been living in rural areas is 32 years.

There are 20,500 properties of over 100 hectares and agriculture accounting for 22% of employment with the mining industry1 playing an increasing role. The Catchment encompasses 24 Local Government areas. Landcare operates under an umbrella structure as LachLandcare with nine district groups and 75 local groups.

The Catchment is home to eight different traditional Aboriginal nations and falls predominantly within Wiradjuri Aboriginal country. There is estimated to be 7,7072 Aboriginal people in the Catchment, making up nearly 9% of the Catchment. To traditional owners, the rivers were very important, providing not only food, water and shelter, but also a route for trade and communication. In the region, 85%

of culturally significant sites are located within 150 metres of a river course. Aboriginal people of the Catchment and are represented by 13 Local Aboriginal Land Council Groups.

People and community

Did you know?n Over 90,000 people live in the

Catchment, residing in about 34,000 households. No towns within the Catchment have a population greater than 10,000.

n There are 20,500 properties of over 100 hectares.

n The Catchment encompasses 24 Local Government areas.

n The Catchment is home to eight different traditional Aboriginal nations.

1 Currently employs 2% of workers, but most common weekly income bracket is $1,000 - $1,299, compared to $400 to $599 for agriculture.

2 This is estimated by adding the 4,469 people stated as Aboriginal and a further 3,238odd did not state if Aboriginal or not in the 2006 Census. According to local knowledge, it is likely that a large number of those persons who declined to state Aboriginality are actually Aboriginal.



Catchment Target 6.

By 2016 the Lachlan community is actively involved in sustainable natural resource management with the capacity and motivation to achieve sustainable landscapes.

A large number of different and individual events have been hosted or supported by Lachlan CMA. Strengths have emerged in the area of school education, farmer education and Aboriginal community engagement. The community is actively involved in sustainable natural resource management and the capacity and motivation to achieve sustainable landscapes has increased.

A lack of community capacity building data collection systems, particularly in the earlier years, has created challenges in accurate and confident reporting. The data provided is conservative estimates based on the data available. Changes in knowledge and skills have not been measured in any meaningful way to derive a Catchment wide understanding of change. Where evaluations of programs have investigated the impact of educational activities, findings have been very positive with evidence of links between education and practice change. Support from the community for educational activities is also strong.



Management Target 30. By 2016 there is an increase in community awareness, knowledge and skills in relation to sustainable natural resource management.

6,728 people (in people days) attended 589 awareness events such as field days, community days or expos. This includes over 15 schools with over 680 students participating in environmental education activities and Waterwatch. 210 students from over 30 schools involved Kids Teaching Kids, 300 people attending 2 Lachlan Science Forums. There have also been 884 training events.

Events and opportunities have been provided for people to increase awareness, knowledge and skills in natural resource management, however the extent of individual increase is unknown.

-Management Target 31.

By 2016 increase the number and diversity of individuals, groups and networks engaged in and adopting sustainable natural resource management practices.

Individuals engaged range from kindergarten to retirement age, farming groups through to environmental groups including the grassy box network, rural services support network, reference groups and Landcare.

2,350 agreements with 1,424 individual land holders for undertaking on ground activities. 337 community groups or projects assisted and since 2010, 840 activities have been undertaken to support these groups. Reference groups include Aboriginal, Conservation Farming, Local Government, Lachlan Riverine Working group.

Relative to the number of individuals and groups within the Catchment, engagement has been widespread and diverse.

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By 2012 maintain and increase the number of individuals, groups and networks investing in neutrally beneficial partnerships that achieve natural resource management outcomes.

Partnerships have been developed by the CMA with a variety of stakeholders. The contribution to natural resource management outcomes is undetermined. It is also unknown if these partnerships have remained or increased in number as no baseline has been established nor partnership health check performed.

Partnerships are diverse and range from Parkes National Tree day (over 6 years), Landcare and Catchment Management Forum, Parkes (360 participants), TransGrid Landcare Kids carnival (280 students), CENTROC ‘that’s a good idea’ carbon expos (12 events), joint curriculum development with Landcare for primary and secondary schools using ANU Fenner School paddock tree project, Cowra Woodland Bird group, Lachlan Landcare and LachLandcare, State Water at Lake Brewster, Barrick Gold and Lake Cowal Conservation Centre, to Office of Environment & Heritage for Roadside survey and DustWatch network.

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Management Target 33. By 2016 systems are in place to support the community to achieve sustainable natural resource management.

5 leadership programs have been held to develop communication and team skills. Support has been provided to the Landcare network (positions, office space plus events). Education materials and learning kits have been developed to support other educational organisations. Other systems in place include the Local Government Partnership Guide (a mechanism for negotiating natural resource management), Weekly Bundle and Lachlan CMA website.

Business systems for managing EOIs and processing landholder Agreements and Service contracts have also progressed.

Systems that are focused on supporting and building community are limited whereas systems within the CMA to manage CMA business in supporting the community have progressed significantly.

-Management Target 34. By 2016 there is an increase in involvement of Aboriginal people in sustainable natural resource management within the Catchment.

Opportunities for Aboriginal involvement in natural resource management have included 45 employment opportunities (including part time positions), 40 Aboriginal people supported through training and accreditation and 2 scholarship recipients. Aboriginal people have also been engaged through 2 forums, each with approximately 60 attendees.

Traditional Ecological Knowledge has been gained by local communities and shared through the Cultural Landscapes, Murie Restoration, Burial Restoration and Management, Lake Brewster Cultural Heritage Management Plan, Willow Control and Traditional Burning projects.

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Management Target 35. By 2016 establish 30 partnerships between Aboriginal communities, Lachlan CMA and land managers that identify, protect, manage and/or maintain landscapes culturally significant to Aboriginal people.

Lachlan CMA is currently working with 12 Aboriginal communities (80% of Catchment wide Aboriginal communities). This work has built relationships and partnerships and through improving understanding and knowledge has promoted partnerships between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people of the Catchment.

24 partnerships have been established, with a range of communities across the Catchment undertaking training, community projects, increasing awareness of cultural heritage and linking with landholders to enable property access for community cultural education.

School education is provided to approximately 30 schools a year, covering at least 600 students of Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal cultures. Aboriginal Cultural Heritage training has been provided to approximately 450 people and River Dreaming training to approximately 700 participants.

Non-Aboriginal landholder engagement has included 90 attendees at Traditional Burning information nights and 20 land managers at willow control field days. To support improved cross cultural relations, guidelines to support culturally appropriate consultation have been developed with Cowra Shire Council and shared with other Local Governments and organisations.

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Help us to build a richer picture of the collective achievements in the Catchment and improve the next Lachlan CMA Catchment Action Plan.

Community members and stakeholders are invited to provide further information about projects and works undertaken since 2004. In addition, comments or learnings gained through this Review that will improve the upgraded Catchment Action Plan are welcomed.

The full Catchment Action Plan Review document provides a greater detail on achievements since 2004 and is available on the Lachlan CMA website.

To have your say and contribute to this Catchment Action Plan Review, please visit the Lachlan CMA website: www.lachlan.cma.nsw.gov.au

Have your say

Feedback form


To provide your comment, please complete the following, detach the page and send to:

Lachlan CMA Catchment Action Plan Review Submissions PO Box 726 Forbes NSW 2871

The below form is also available on the Lachlan CMA website (www.lachlan.cma.nsw.gov.au).

Name:

Position (or stakeholder type – community member, landholder etc):

Organisation:

Email:

Postal address:

Comment:


Notes

Documents

Lachlan CMA Catchment Action Plan Review Summary · Action Plan Review process began with a two-day workshop designed to assess the Lachlan CMA achievements over the past five years