Implementation of the management plan will be based on the four management areas as shown in Table 1.
Table 1: Management priorities in the four management areas
Section
Issues
Primary purpose
Management Priorities
Southern
· Main recreational and tourism use area
· General tourism and recreation access
· Develop adequate recreation and interpretation facilities
Western
· Contains major Aboriginal heritage sites
· Native fish management
· Aboriginal heritage protection
· Low impact interpretation facilities
· Native fish management and access
· Develop system of walking tracks and interpretation material
· Actions as per section 4.1.4
North-east
· Contains major Aboriginal heritage sites
· Contains private leaseholdings
· Protection of Aboriginal heritage
· Protection of sites
· Recording of any new sites
Central
· May contain main non-Aboriginal heritage sites
· Contains Council infrastructure
· Management changes require long term planning and cost assessment
· Protection of historic heritage
· Short term - Minimise aesthetic impact
· Long term - Assess removal or modification of infrastructure
· Short-term mitigation of impacts
· Planning and co-ordination of long term actions
New actions and actions not undertaken up until January 2003, are listed in the Action table (Table 2). Actions cover four categories.
1. Technical investigations will provide additional information about the lagoon environment and the threats it faces, and allow a greater understanding of the wetland as the basis for future management.
2. Monitoring will provide information on changes occurring in and around the lagoon as a result of existing processes and management actions. This will allow management to be reviewed and refined.
3. Management planning and actions will improve the co-ordination, effectiveness and efficiency of management arrangements.
4. On-ground works will bring into effect the management strategies outlined in the plan.
Table 2 is divided into 2 portions based on the primary external funding source the Lower Murray Darling Catchment Blueprint.
Actions deemed to be a "Priority" indicates the action need to be undertaken at a suitable time and are shown in italics in the following table (Table 2).
Table 2 Action Table
The actions listed below relate to components of the Management Plan that are compatible to the LMD Blueprint and it's potential funding sources
Issue
Actions
Resp group
est cost
funding avail
add'l fund req'd
Environmental Management
4.1.1 Wetland
rehabilitation
Operate flow control structures to re-establish seasonal water level flunctuations
WSC/DIPNR
0
0
0
Annual review of regulator operation
WSC/DIPNR
0
0
0
Investigate the benefits and options for replacing the western inlet/outlet structure
WSC/DIPNR
/MWWG
0
0
0
4.1.4
Fish Management
Replacement of western inlet/outlet with culvert type structure to allow fish passage
NSW Fisheries
WSC/MWWG/DIPNR
30,000
0
30000
Maintain adequate snags within lagoon
NSW Fisheries
WSC/MWWG/DIPNR
0
0
0
Investigate options and feasibility of re-snagging ections of the lagoon
MWWG
0
0
0
Investigate installation of carp control structure to prevent re-colonisation by mature carp
MWWG
2,000
0
2000
Re-snagging sections of the lagoon Insert 1km @$3000/km)
3,000
0
3000
4.5.7
Riparian fencing - Estimated at 2km on Blueprint standard costing @$6500/km
WSC
13000
0
13000
48,000
0
48000
4.1.2 Native Flora
Revegetate tip site after landscaping
WSC
2,000
0
2000
Rehabilitate unnecessary tracks assessed under Section 4.5.6
WSC/Dareton CWP
3,000
0
3000
Assess and map floodplain area to ID areas requiring revegetation
WSC
2,000
2,000
0
7,000
2,000
5000
4.1.3 Native Fauna
Establish more frequent wildlife monitoring of the area for inclusion in the NSW Wildlife Atlas
NPWS
400
400
0
Increase recording of birdlife via negotiation with Sunraysis Bird Observers
NPWS/MWWG
500
500
0
Update an inventory of native fauna
NPWS
0
0
0
900
900
0
4.5.4 Pest
Management
Control of Noogoora Burr and other pest plant species by annual spraying prior to seed formation, Log Bridge priority, then north east section
WSC
5000
5000
0
Monitor re-claimed tip for weed infestations & control
WSC
1000
1000
0
Plan & undertake pest animal control program for feral cats, dogs & foxes
NPWS/WSC
5000
5000
0
Undertake a program for controlling rabbits.
NPWS/WSC
3000
0
3000
14000
11000
3000
4.1.4 Environmental
Monitoring
Establish photopoints at selected sites across floodplain to assess the rate and success of revegetation activities
DIPNR/NPWS
1,000
1,000
0
Maintain photopoints at selected sites across lagoon to assess the rate and success of riparian revegetation
MWWG
1,000
1,000
0
Establish regular surface water level monitoring, survey gauges
DIPNR
1,000
1,000
0
Baseline assessment of lagoon water quality while the lagoon is low and when full
DIPNR/MWWG
1,000
1,000
0
Monthly monitoring of salinity when surface water level<1.0m
DIPNR/MWWG
1,000
1,000
0
Continued monitoring of groundwater levels, commenced April 2002, review 12-18 months]
DIPNR/MWWG
2,000
2,000
0
7,000
7,000
0
Subtotal environmental management
76,900
20,900 56,000
Issue
Actions
Resp group
est cost
funding avail
add'l fund req'd
4.2 Cultural Heritage
4.2.1 Aboriginal
Implement site protection works as outlined in Archaeological assessment
Dareton CWP/NPWS /BEC/DALC
5,000
5000
Train Aboriginal staff working at the lagoon in the ID and recording of Aboriginal sites
NPWS/BEC/
DALC/WSC/
Dareton CWP
2,000
2000
Undertake dating of sites to provide more detailed interpretative information for visitors
BEC/DALC
Dareton CWP/NPWS
5,000
0
5000
4.2.2 Non-Aboriginal
Stabilise and fence sites as necessary
WSC/WDHS
1,000
0
1000
Subtotal cultural heritage
13,000
0 13000
4.3 Water Supply
Monitor flood inflows to the lagoon
DIPNR
1,000
1,000
0
Operate eastern regulator under interim supply arrangements
DIPNR/WSC
0
0
0
1,000
1,000
0
4.4 Hydrogeology
If possible, manage inflows to maintain a minimum water level of 0.5m, taking into account evaporation and irrigation usage
DIPNR/MWWG
0
0
0
Install 3 piezometers Two deep bores (20-25m) at N 6227098 E 581279 and N 62254658 E 584146 (one replaces a destroyed bore); One shallow bore (10m) N 6226458, E 581439. DIPNR drilling cost $60/m
DIPNR
3,600
3600
Continued monitoring of groundwater levels and salinity, commenced April 2002, review 12-18 months
DIPNR/MWWG
3600
0
3600
Subtotal water supply/use and hydrology
4,600
1,000 3,600
4.7 Environmental Education
Prepare and install interpretation boards at the entrance to the reserve, lock, and river junction highlighting the Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal significance of the area and the type of sites present.
WSC/NPWS/
Dareton CWP
/BEC/DALC
5,000
5000
Develop a self-guided tour booklet outlining the cultural and ecological
features of the area
MWWG/Dareton CWP
/BEC/DALC
2,000
2,000
0
Subtotal interpretation/education
7,000
2,000 5000
TOTAL
101,500
21,900
77,600
Cost of Management Plan actions that have are NOT covered but Blueprint & have not occurred or not been superseded since plan development
Issue
Actions
Resp group
est cost
funding avail
add'l fund req'd
4.2 Cultural heritage - 4.2.1 Aboriginal
Provide leaseholders with details on significant sites, protection and state legislation
NPWS/Dareton CWP/
BEC/DALC
1,000
0
1,000
Prepare a Memorandum of Understanding between NPWS, WSC, and Steering C'tee/WSC clarifying the legislative basis of Steering C'tee/WSC management of the area
NPWS/BEC
/DALC/Dareton CWP/
WSC
0
0
0
Survey & record newly ID historic sites
NPWS/Dareton CWP/
BEC/DALC
1,000
0
1,000
Rotation of sites shown on tours to ensure individual sites not stressed by
over visitation
Dareton CWP/BEC/
DALC
0
0
0
Wentworth Shire Council to notify Dareton CWP prior to commencing any
public works in the reserve
WSC
0
0
0
Identify & develop appropriate sites on southern management area for public interpretation & visitation relates to interpretative signage
NPWS/Dareton CWP/
BEC/DALC
2,000
0
2,000
Ensure coordination of Aboriginal & non-Aboriginal cultural information
Dareton CWP/WSC/
WDHS/BEC/
DALC
500
0
0
4.2.2 Non-Aboriginal
Survey & record non-Aboriginal historic sites
WSC
3,000
0
3,000
Approach Wentworth & District Historical Society re involvement in
non-Aboriginal heritage research
WSC/WDHS
0
0
0
Undertake documentary research about non-Aboriginal history of reserve
WSC/WDHS
2,000
0
2,000
Identify & develop appropriate sites on southern management area for public interpretation & visitation
WSC/WDHS
2,000
0
2,000
4.5 Land Man't 4.5.1
Re-zone area as Conservation with existing leases remaining Rural
WSC
1,000
1,000
0
4.5.2
Reclaim rubbish tip site with, filling, landscaping, revegetation with local native species
WSC
10,000
10,000
0
4.5.4
Continue annual weed control/removal programs
WSC
2,500
4.5.5
Identify tracks used by leaseholders & stakeholders
WSC
0
0
0
Identify primary vehicular access roads to be developed and maintained
Dareton CWP/WSC/
BEC/DALC
tba
Where appropriate initiate rehabilitation of other closed tracks by
shallow ripping
WSC
2,000
2,000
0
4.5.6
Visitor facilities - picnic facilities & maintenance, trail system, interpretation
material and falling tree branch warning signs
WSC
Dareton CWP
10,000
5,000
5,000
4.5.8
Maintenance of eastern regulator, eastern connecting channel, removal of cumbungi by Wentworth Shire Council.
WSC
tba
4.6 Stormwater drainage
Investigate stormwater fitration options including assessment of cost and
benefits of stormwater retention from the Gaol Reserve
WSC
4,000
4,000
0
4.8 Promotion & Marketing
Investigate origins of the lagoon's name
Steering C'tee
0
Develop information brochures outlining the features of the area
WSC/Dareton CWP
4,000
0
4,000
media releases to publicise work and management changes etc
all Steering C'tee
0
0
0
liasion with local and regional tourism organisations
WSC/Dareton CWP
0
0
0
SUB TOTAL
45,000
22,000
20,000
Grand Total
146,500
43,900
97,600
5.1. Funding Current and On-going Works
Background
Current and planned activities to assist the management of the lagoon include the following.
Wentworth Shire Council has employed a Tourist/Promotions Officer who will work with Steering Committee in implementing the management plan and developing programs.
An aquatic fauna survey was completed and submitted to the MWWG by the Murray Darling Freshwater Research Centre in 2000.
The Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Natural Resources is monitoring the piezometers around the lagoon and undertaking some water quality monitoring.
Small-scale works
Small scale works include the following.
Interpretation material - signs, interpretative boards, information leaflets
Site protection works - fencing
Vegetation rehabilitation and regeneration
Control of pest plants, particularly Noogoora Burr, and pest animals
Wentworth Shire Council and LMD Catchment Blueprint will meet funding for these activities.
External Funding
Applications for funding may be sought from the following sources.
Lower Murray Darling Catchment Blueprint (through the inclusion of the Thegoa Lagoon Management Plan in the Blueprint)
Envirofund (amounts up $30,000 and compatible with LMDCM Blueprint)
Environmental Trusts
APPENDIX: Previous studies
Edmonds, V. 1995, An Archaeological Assessment of Thegoa Lagoon Reserve Wentworth, Western NSW. Archaeological Consulting Services, Buronga.
Jonasson, P. 1995, Water Management of Thegoa Lagoon: Discussion paper. Department of Water Resources, Dareton.
Luitjes, K. and Smith, C. 1995, Environmental Baseline Study: Thegoa Lagoon Reserve, Wentworth NSW. Sunraysia Environmental, Mildura.
Plummer, N. McCarthy, B. Ellis, E. and Gawne, B. 2000, Aquatic Fauna Survey of Thegoa Lagoon near Wentworth, NSW. Murray Darling Freshwater Research Centre, Lower Basin Laboratory.
Rix, C. and Sammon M. 1995, Tourism Baseline Study: Thegoa Lagoon Reserve, Wentworth NSW. Thomsons Accountants and Advisers, Mildura.
Woolley, D. 1997, Groundwater Condition at Thegoa Lagoon, Wentworth NSW. Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Natural Resources, Parramatta.
