RIVER MURRAY ACT 2003 IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGY · 2015-04-27 · part 1 background 1. river murray...

RIVER MURRAY ACT 2003

IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGY

Prepared by the Minister for the River Murray, pursuant to section 21 of the River Murray Act 2003

Australian Recycled Paper, 92% of energy used to make this paper is wind and hydro powered.

Availability of the Implementation Strategy

Notice of the River Murray Act Implementation Strategy has been published in the Government Gazette, and notice of its availability has been advertised in The Advertiser and in newspapers circulating within the Eastern Mount Lofty Ranges, Riverland and Murraylands regions.

The Implementation Strategy may be viewed free of charge at the offices of the Department of Water, Land and Biodiversity Conservation:

Adelaide Level 1, 25 Grenfell StreetBerri 28 Vaughan TerraceMurray Bridge State Flora, Bremer Road

and on the Internet at www.dwlbc.sa.gov.au

ISBN 1 921218 22 3

http://www.dwlbc.sa.gov.au

CONTENTS

PART 1 BACKGROUND

1. RIVER MURRAY ACT 2003 42. ABOUT THIS IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGY 7

PART 2 PRIORITIES AND STRATEGIES

3. DETERMINING PRIORITIES 104. PRIORITIES AND OUTCOMES 115. STRATEGIES 13

PART 3 REVIEW AND UPDATE OF STRATEGY 19

APPENDICES

1 OBJECTS OF THE ACT, PRINCIPLES OF ESD, OBJECTIVES FOR A HEALTHY RIVER MURRAY 212 RELATED OPERATIONAL ACTS 243 CONSULTATION 254 KEY DOCUMENTS 265 KEY THREATS, IMPACTS, PRIORITIES 37 AND ACTIONS 6 COMPARISON OF STRATEGIES 41 AND ACTIONS

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River Murray Act 2003 Implementation Strategy

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PART 1 BACKGROUND

1. RIVER MURRAY ACT 2003

1.1 Objects and scope of the River Murray Act 2003

The River Murray Act 2003 came into operation on 24 November 2003, as part of the South Australian Government’s election commitment to improve the condition of the River Murray.

The Act aims to protect, enhance and restore the River Murray in South Australia, ensuring that its use and management are sustainable1.

The Act also sets out a list of Objectives for a Healthy River Murray (ORMs). The ORMs were developed by the Murray-Darling Basin Commission and endorsed by the Murray-Darling Basin Ministerial Council.2

There are 15 ORMs, grouped under the following themes:

river health,environmental flows,water quality, andthe ‘human dimension’.

The ORMs describe some of the specific improvements being sought for the River Murray. They include goals such as restoring the floodplains and wetlands, reinstating and maintaining ecologically significant elements of the natural flow regime, as well as improving water quality to a level that sustains ecological processes, environmental values and productive capacity.

The human dimension Objectives recognise Aboriginal and other cultural and historical cultural relationships with the River Murray and the importance of appropriate participation in the management of the River.

1 The objects of the Act, and the principles of ecologicallyThe objects of the Act, and the principles of ecologically sustainable development for the purposes of the Act, are set out in full in Appendix 1.2 Murray-Darling Basin Ministerial Council meeting 30Murray-Darling Basin Ministerial Council meeting 30 March 2001

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The full list of ORMs is set out in Appendix 1.

The River Murray is recognised by the River Murray Act as an important feature of the economic, cultural, social and environmental landscape for South Australians. Accordingly, the River Murray Act defines the River in very wide terms.

The ‘River Murray’ for the purposes of the Act means:the River Murray system - the main stem and all anabranches, tributaries, wetlands and flood plains; andthe natural resources of the River Murray, being:

- soil, water, air, vegetation, animals and ecosystems connected or associated with the River Murray system; and

- cultural and natural heritage, and amenity and geological values associated or connected with the River Murray system, and minerals and other substances and facilities administered under any of the Mining Acts, to the extent that activities undertaken in relation to them may have an impact on the River.

The potential scope for use of the River Murray Act is therefore very wide. The purpose of this Implementation Strategy is to outline, in broad terms, how the Minister proposes to use the Act.

1.2 The Murray-Darling Basin Agreement

The River Murray is part of the largest river basin in Australia – the Murray-Darling Basin. The Basin encompasses parts of Queensland, New South Wales, the Australian Capital Territory, Victoria and South Australia. The natural resources of the Basin are managed by agreement amongst the State and the Commonwealth through the Murray-Darling Basin Agreement. In particular, the surface water resources of the Basin are shared amongst the States through the provisions of the Agreement, which have been in place, in varying forms, since 1914.

The River Murray Act recognises the importance of the Murray-Darling Basin Agreement and provides the Minister with the ability to implement projects under the agreement.

Continuing to participate in, support and promote the Agreement is critical to securing the quantity and quality of the River’s resources for South Australia. The Minister for the River Murray is South Australia’s lead Minister for the Murray-Darling Basin, and together with the Minister for Environment and Conservation and the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Fisheries represents South Australia on the Murray-Darling Basin Ministerial Council.

1.3 WheredoesthisActfitinrelationtootherlegislation?

There is much legislation in South Australia in addition to the River Murray Act that applies to the resources of the Murray-Darling Basin. These Acts are referred to by the River Murray Act as ‘related operational Acts’. The operation of these Acts, and activities regulated by the Acts can have an impact on the health of the River Murray. In some cases, the legislation has a clear focus on environmental protection. In other cases, the primary focus of the legislation is the use and management of a particular resource. The related operational Acts are listed in Appendix 2.

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The River Murray Act is designed to interact with the related operational Acts, and with existing institutions, to improve the focus on the River Murray. This is reflected throughout the Act, from its stated objects, to the many specific provisions including the particular functions assigned to the Minister.

1.4 Role of the Minister under the River Murray Act

The Minister for the River Murray is responsible to Parliament for the administration of the River Murray Act. The role of the Minister administering the River Murray Act is defined in the Act, both through the objects of the Act and in specific provisions setting out the Minister’s functions and powers.

The Minister’s powers and functions, and the way in which they will be used, are discussed in section 4 of this Strategy.

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2. ABOUT THIS IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGY

2.1 WhatistheImplementationStrategy?

The River Murray Act requires the Minister for the River Murray to prepare and maintain the River Murray Act Implementation Strategy. The Strategy is to be reviewed at least once in every five years.

The Implementation Strategy –sets out the priorities that the Minister will pursue in order to achieve the objects of the Act and to further the implementation of the ORMs; andsets out strategies that the Minister intends to adopt to meet those priorities.

As required by the Act, this Strategy takes into account the State Natural Resources Management Plan3, and the Planning Strategy4.

2.2 Preparing the Implementation Strategy – taking account of existing activities

Over the years, there has been growing concern that the River Murray may not be able to sustain current and future demands. Governments and communities have responded with increased efforts to protect and improve the condition of the River Murray including land, water and other aspects and resources of the Murray-Darling Basin.

The community’s commitment to on ground works reflects an increasing knowledge and understanding of the threats facing the River, as well as a desire to be actively involved in determining the priorities, management and use of the River.

It is important to acknowledge and build on this commitment. The administration of the River Murray Act can assist in progressing government programs as well as community-based activities and plans, and help to bring them to fruition.

Groups and individuals representing particular interests in enhancing and protecting the River (as listed in Appendix 3) have been consulted to help ensure that the Strategy recognises existing activities and can build on them.

2.3 Preparing the Implementation Strategy – taking account of existing plans and policies

The River Murray Act states that in preparing the Implementation Strategy, the Minister should take into account any relevant statutory instruments5. The Minister can also take into account other relevant strategies and policies.

(a) South Australia’s Strategic Plan

This Implementation Strategy directly contributes to achieving South Australia’s Strategic Plan targets listed below and contributes indirectly to achieving numerous others.

3 The State Natural Resources Management Plan is prepared under the Natural Resources Management Act 2004. The State Natural Resources Management Plan is prepared under the Natural Resources Management Act 2004. 4 The Planning Strategy is prepared under the The Planning Strategy is prepared under the Development Act 1993.� Statutory instruments include documents such as management plans for National Parks, and Development Plans Statutory instruments include documents such as management plans for National Parks, and Development PlansStatutory instruments include documents such as management plans for National Parks, and Development Plans

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Target 3.1 Increase environmental flows by �00 GL in the Murray-Darling and major tributaries by 2008 as a first step towards improving sustainability in the Murray-Darling Basin, with a longer term target to reach 1500 GL by 2018.

Target 3.4 Have 5 well established biodiversity corridors linking public and private lands across the state by 2010.

Target 3.6 Any clearance of native vegetation being offset by significant biodiversity benefit by 2015.

Target 3.8 Lose no species.

(b) Other Plans

Over the years, many significant documents have been prepared, setting out the state of the River, the threats it faces, and suggesting ways to address those threats. In many cases we do not need to revisit the basis for these documents – it is a matter of implementing the strategies, actions and principles already identified

Therefore in preparing the Implementation Strategy, the Minister has taken into account various statutory instruments under related operational Acts that apply within the South Australian Murray-Darling Basin, and has also taken into account a number of other strategies and policies.

One of the most relevant statutory instruments is the River Murray Catchment Water Management Plan 2003 – 2008.�

The plan identifies7:

‘Inappropriate use and development within and upstream of South Australia have brought about four primary changes to the catchment’s natural resources:

The frequency, size and duration of natural flows have been altered.Native vegetation continues to be lost, disrupting ecological processes and the catchment’s water balance.The water quality is now poor, being significantly affected by salinity, as well as turbidity and nutrients.The land is showing signs of degradation, such as waterlogging, salinisation, or erosion.

A number of serious problems stem from these changes. These 'secondary impacts' include:general environmental decline and loss of biodiversity;

threats to public health from poor water quality, resulting in rising costs of water treatment and supply;loss of aesthetic and recreation value;reduced land productivity, loss of economic opportunities and increased costs of production'.

6 Pursuant to the transitional provisions of the Pursuant to the transitional provisions of the Natural Resources Management Act 2004, the River Murray Catchment Water Management Plan 2003 - 2008 now forms part of the Regional Natural Resources Management Plan. 7 Page viPage vi River Murray Catchment Water Management Plan 2003 – 2008

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Another recent and relevant statutory instrument, the State Natural Resources Management Plan 200�, states8:

‘Salinity levels in the River Murray: Predicted to increase significantly over the next �0 years without further remedial action; Other water quality in the River Murray: moderate to poor with no significant change since 1998. Water quality in general shows a marked deterioration progressively downstream towards Tailem Bend. Use of water from the River Murray: In July 1997 diversions from the River Murray were capped at 1993/94 levels of development. Agreement has been reached to return �00GL of annual; flow on average to the River by 2009, however more is required if the health of the River is to be restored.’

A complete list of the key documents considered and taken into account in preparing the Implementation Strategy and determining the priorities and strategies is listed in Appendix 4.

8 Page 19Page 19 State Natural Resource’s Management Plan 200�

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PART 2 - PRIORITIES AND STRATEGIES

3. DETERMINING PRIORITIES

3.1 Identifying key threats to sustainable use and management of the River Murray

The stated objects of the River Murray Act can be summarised as ensuring that use and management of the River is sustainable. Unless the use of the River and its associated natural resources is sustainable, the future wellbeing of the community – in economic, cultural and social terms – is threatened.

Sustainable use of a natural environment does not mean ‘non-use’, or pristine environmental conditions. The challenge is to identify a balance that ensures that the natural resources of the River are used and managed in a way that sustains communities today and in the future.

Identifying the most significant threats to sustainability, and the causes of those threats, helps to prioritise what needs to be done to achieve the objects of the Act.

Appendix 5 sets out the key threats to the health of the River, the processes by which these threats are manifested, and the impacts of the processes on specific aspects of River health. In identifying these threats, the Minister has taken into account the views of the community and key organisations (as expressed in a number of plans and policies, including those listed in Appendix 4), and the scientific evidence available. The four key threats are:

clearance of vegetation;absence of environmental flow allocation for the River;poor and declining quality of surface water; andthreats to heritage values.

These threats are likely to be exacerbated by climate change.

The Murray-Darling Basin Commission is investigating climate change as one of six factors that could impact on shared resources of the Basin9.

9 P17 Tackling Climate Change - South Australia’s Greenhouse Strategy - Natural Resources P17 Tackling Climate Change - South Australia’s Greenhouse Strategy - Natural Resources Issues Paper

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4. PRIORITIES and OUTCOMES

4.1 Priority - Abate the clearance of vegetation

Since European settlement, the abundance of native vegetation and habitat for native animals including mammals, birds, reptiles, invertebrates and fish has dramatically declined. The impacts include:

extinction of many native species;incursions of exotic plants and weeds;degraded landscapes that impact on cultural and natural heritage and the ability of the community to enjoy the environment; anddegraded landscapes that impact upon ecological processes.

To achieve the priority, actions will focus on:controlling clearance of endemic native vegetation, and encouraging re-vegetation; andcontrolling clearance of non-endemic vegetation where vegetation significantly benefits an aspect of the River.

Outcome

Controlled vegetation clearance to encourage the restoration, protection and management of native vegetation and habitats.

4.2Priority-AchieveanenvironmentalflowregimefortheRiver

River regulation and water diversions have reduced river flows and flood frequency, with flows at the Mouth down to 27% of the natural median flow. This affects:

the ability of the River to dilute salt that enters the River - during drought salinity levels can approach the maximum level desirable for drinking water;the ecology of wetlands on the floodplain of the River especially in the Lower Murray and the Coorong National Park.

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PRIORITIES

As a result of the threats identified in section 3.1 and Appendix �, the Minister will treat the following

matters as priorities in seeking to achieve the objects and Objectives of the Act:

abate the clearance of vegetation,

achieve an environmental flow regime for the River,

improve water quality, and

protect heritage values of the River.

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River regulation and changes to the patterns of flow alters vegetation patterns, the ability of native species to reproduce, reduces the diversity of riverine and estuarine habitats and disrupts ecological processes. To achieve this priority, actions will focus on:

promoting formal allocation and management of an environmental flow; andpromoting water use efficiency.

Outcome

Increased and manipulated flows to assist in protecting and enhancing ecological assets. This will include allowing for the wetting and drying of floodplains and wetlands and providing flows to the Coorong and Murray Mouth to maintain estuarine conditions.

4.3Priority-Improvewaterquality

Poor water quality threatens the health and biodiversity of plants, animals and the riverine ecosystems. It poses risks to public health, agricultural productivity, recreational pursuits and the State’s economy.

To achieve this priority, actions will focus on:preventing increases in salinity and working to reduce current salinity levels including the ‘legacy of history’; andcontrolling and managing pollution from sources and processes other than salinity.

Outcome

Improved water quality through reducing salinity and all types of pollution.

4.4 Priority - Conserving and protecting heritage values

Places of natural and cultural heritage value, such as all Aboriginal sites, historic vistas, significant landscape features, access to important sites, and built heritage, are important to communities. Places of heritage value may have cultural, spiritual, historical and scientific significance and provide a better understanding of Aboriginal and other cultures and the natural environment.

Outcome

Heritage values of the River Murray are

conserved and protected.

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5. THE STRATEGIES

The strategies for achieving the outcomes in each priority area are set out below. The strategies are based around using each of the Minister’s powers and functions under the River Murray Act. In each case, strategies outlined will be focused on the priority areas. Appendix � shows specific actions to be undertaken in implementing the strategies in each priority area.

5.1 Providing advice or direction

The Minister has the power to make directions to other authorities about the granting of individual applications, and about the content of statutory instruments. The process by which the Minister receives, assesses and makes directions on applications and statutory instruments is known as the ‘referral’ process. The referral process is an important way in which outcomes can be achieved in the priority areas.

The development of policies will be an important tool to guide the Minister’s responses to referred applications and statutory instruments. Policies developed by the Minister for the River Murray will be used as the basis for the Minister’s input to the Development Plans of local Councils to establish a common and consistent approach to the assessment of development along the River.

Policies can also help to:determine which programs or projects should be supported;raise community understanding about what is required to address the priority threats and other issues for river management; andimprove coordination and integration amongst government agencies and with local councils as planning authorities.

Polices being developed include: General Provisions - provide a guide as to how a referred statutory instrument or authorisation will be assessed and the types of conditions that may be imposed on an authorisation;Special Provisions – provide specific criteria for the protection of vegetation and habitats, wetlands and floodplains, heritage and amenity values and the control of activities that may increase salinity;Activity Provisions – address issues that relate to specific activities such as land division, the construction of river structures, river events (boating), industry and the construction of buildings.

A system of ‘exemptions’ can also be used to help manage the referral of activity applications. An activity that meets the criteria set in an exemption notice applicable to that activity does not need to be referred to the Minister. This means that the relevant authority, such as the local council, can make a decision on the application without referring it to the Minister for the River Murray and the applicant will not have to pay the referral fee. Exemptions reduce assessment times and associated costs to applicants, whilst allowing the Minister to ensure that only activities which meet the exemption criteria proceed without being referred. An exemption is established by notice placed by the Minister in the Gazette.

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5.2 Promoting integration

There are a great many projects and programs already taking place within the Murray-Darling Basin, both under various Acts of Parliament, as well as through non-statutory arrangements. One of the functions of the Minister for the River Murray is to integrate the administration of the River Murray Act with other legislation, and to promote the integration or co-ordination of policies, programs, plans and projects being undertaken by other persons or authorities, in so far as they are relevant to the protection, improvement or enhancement of the River.

The Minister will promote integration in the administration of legislation, and also in programs and projects undertaken by various agencies, both within and outside of Government.

Integration in the administration of legislation will be achieved through statutory means (by the Minister’s input into the development and review of statutory instruments under the related operational Acts) as well as less formally (by developing networks to coordinate and integrate programs and policies to enhance opportunities for joint or complementary programs).

Key stakeholders will be consulted over significant policy development or changes.Promoting integration in the development and administration of key programs will continue at the Basin-wide level through the leadership role of the Minister for the River Murray. The Minister

Strategies:

phase in the referral process, focusing on priority areas and commencing with the referral

of development applications that have the greatest potential to impact on water quality,

flows, vegetation or heritage values;

support the development and implementation of policies by State and local government

agencies that align with and seek to further the objects of the River Murray Act; by

assisting councils and government agencies to amend their plans and policies to take

into account the objects and ORMs when administering a related operational Act;

support referring agencies including local government by increasing awareness through

providing education, and written guidelines where required; use ga�etted exemptions to use gazetted exemptions to

refine the referral process; develop policies to address each aspect of the River, and eachdevelop policies to address each aspect of the River, and each

type of referral the Minister may receive. Policies will be publicly accessible from councils’

offices and the Department of Water, Land and Biodiversity Conservation offices and

website. To ensure the support of the community the Minister will conduct appropriate

consultation on policies that are not based on existing statutory or widely-consulted and

accepted policies or plans.

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is South Australia’s lead Minister on the Murray-Darling Basin Ministerial Council, as well as being the Constructing Authority for South Australia under the Murray-Darling Basin Agreement, with the responsibility for the care, control and management of the physical river-regulating structures within the River in South Australia.

5.3 Undertaking or promoting programs

(a) Programs to protect, maintain or improve the River

Through the Department of Water, Land and Biodiversity Conservation, and in conjunction with other Government Departments, the Minister already undertakes a wide range of programs relating to the River Murray.

The Minister will provide further support to agencies’ or other bodies’ programs by implementing their policy objectives through the referral system (where appropriate), and by providing assistance and coordination in policy development.

The Minister will work with:the South Australian Murray-Darling Basin Natural Resources Management Board;the Murray-Darling Basin Commission and Ministerial Council;the Murray Darling Association;local governments and regional local government bodies (e.g. the Murray Mallee Local Government Association and the Southern Hills Local Government Association); relevant State and Australian Government agencies, and community and industry groups,

as key bodies in the coordination of projects for the protection, restoration or enhancement of the River.

The River Murray Act also provides for the Minister to enter into management agreements with the owners of land within the Murray-Darling Basin. Management agreements under the River Murray Act are for the preservation, conservation, management, enhancement or reestablishment of any aspect of natural resources of the River Murray.

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Strategies:

develop networks within government, external government agencies, local government,

other persons or authorities including Aboriginal communities, to support coordination and

integration of programs and policies to enhance opportunities for joint or complementary

programs;

Integrate the administration of legislation through input into statutory instruments under the

related operational Acts.

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(b) Programs to monitor and collect data on the state of the River and other relevant information, and assessing and applying other information obtained from other programs or sources

The Minister is to undertake a review of the Act every three years. The review will include an assessment of the state of the River. Information from the administrators of the ‘related operational Acts’ and other bodies external to Government, will be gathered and assessed to assist in determining the extent to which the priorities pursued in the Implementation Strategy have had an impact on river health.

Currently there are many programs that monitor and collect data on the state of the River Murray. This information will be used to inform decision-making on the health and management of the River and to determine if the objects of the River Murray Act are being achieved.

The Minister will also table an annual report in Parliament about the implementation of the River Murray Act, taking into account the priorities identified in the Implementation Strategy. In this way, progress in achieving the outcomes will be monitored. Annual reports are publicly available.

Strategies:

provide an annual report on the implementation of the River Murray Act, and undertake a

general review every three years. The review will include an assessment of the state of the

River, and in that way will assist in determining the extent to which the priorities pursued in

the Implementation Strategy have had an impact on river health;

develop formal networks and agreements with key State agencies including the regional

South Australian Murray-Darling Basin Natural Resources Management Board, local and

Australian Government agencies and other bodies external to Government, to ensure a

high level of cooperation in data-collection and sharing.

Strategies:

promote the integration and

implementation of appropriate

policies developed by other

agencies by applying those policies

to matters referred to the Minister. For

example the State Natural Resources

Management Plan 2006, Catchment

Water Management Plans, the regional

Natural Resources Management Plan,

the River Murray Water Allocation Plan,

relevant Environment Protection Policies

(for instance, for Water Quality), and

some Local Action Plans;

use management agreements under

the River Murray Act where appropriate

as a tool to encourage, facilitate or

achieve outcomes.

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5.4 Enforcement and compliance

The River Murray Act contains a range of enforcement tools. These tools can be used to enforce the general duty of care under this Act, as well as obligations under other Acts (for example, to enforce conditions of vegetation clearance consent). To improve efficiency and integration a ‘one stop shop’ approach to enforcement in the Murray-Darling Basin should be explored.

Locally-based officers from existing Government departments who are already appointed as authorised officers under a related operational Act will be appointed as ‘authorised officers’ under the River Murray Act where appropriate, as one strategy to ensure adequate enforcement and compliance presence within the region. Appointment of such officers will help to ensure an appropriate level of expertise in monitoring compliance, especially in cases where the threats to the River range across different areas of natural resource management expertise (e.g. fisheries, soils, water and pollution prevention).

There is an expectation that local governments will contribute to enforcement and compliance efforts.

Strategies:

develop an enforcement policy to guide and focus enforcement efforts. The

policy will cover issues such as when related operational Acts should be used,

and when direct provisions of the River Murray Act should be used;

support the enforcement of relevant provisions of related operational Acts,

including licence conditions, by responsible agencies, through provision of

training and awareness about the River Murray Act and other agencies’

statutory obligations under the Act;

appoint appropriate authorised officers under the River Murray Act.

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5.5 Adopting a leadership role in relation to management of the Murray-Darling Basin

The South Australian Government is committed to active participation in the Murray-Darling Basin Agreement. This view has seen South Australian Ministers and Commissioners adopt an active leadership role in relation to many programs undertaken by the Murray-Darling Basin Commission, and policy objectives pursued by the Murray-Darling Basin Ministerial Council.

The Minister for the River Murray, as the South Australian Government’s lead Minister on the Murray-Darling Basin Ministerial Council, will champion the health and productivity of the River in all forums, and will represent the interests of South Australians in relation to policies pursued under the Agreement.

Strategies:

continue to champion the effective implementation of the ‘first

step’ agreement to allocate $500 million to return 500 gigalitres

for environmental flows to the River Murray.

continue to promote the need for an extra 1500 gigalitres of flow

in the River.

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PART 3 REVIEW AND UPDATE OF STRATEGY

The Implementation Strategy must be formally reviewed at least once in every five years, and accordingly will be reviewed before July 2011. It will however, be kept under review, and may be amended from time to time as a need to change some priorities becomes apparent.

Amendments to the Strategy will take place after appropriate consultation, and will be notified by publication in the Gazette and public release of an updated Strategy.

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APPENDIX 1OBJECTS OF ACT, PRINCIPLES OF ECOLOGICALLY SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT AND ORM’s

1. Objects of the Act

The objects of the River Murray Act are set out in section 6(1):

(a) to ensure that all reasonable and practicable measures are taken to protect, restore and enhance the River Murray in recognition of its critical importance to the South Australian community and its unique value from environmental, economic and social perspectives and to give special acknowledgement to the need to ensure that the use and management of the River Murray sustains the physical, economic and social well being of the people of the State and facilitates the economic development of the State;

(b) to provide mechanisms to ensure that any development or activities that may affect the River Murray are undertaken in a way that provides the greatest benefit to, or protection of, the River Murray while at the same time providing for the economic, social and physical well being of the community;

(c) to provide mechanisms so that development and activities that are unacceptable in view of their adverse effects on the River Murray are prevented from proceeding, regulated or brought to an end;

(d) to promote the principles of ecologically sustainable development in relation to the use and management of the River Murray;

(e) to ensure that proper weight is given to the significance and well being of the River Murray when legislative plans and strategies are being developed or implemented;

(f) to respect the interests and aspirations of indigenous peoples with an association with the River Murray and to give due recognition to the ability of those indigenous people to make a significant contribution to the promotion of the principles of ecologically sustainable development in relation to the use and management of the River Murray;

(g) to respect the interests and views of other people within the community with an association with the River Murray and to give due recognition to the ability of those people to make a significant contribution to the promotion of the principles of ecologically sustainable development in relation to the use and management of the River Murray; and

(h) otherwise to ensure the future health, and to recognise the importance, of the River Murray.


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2. Principles of ecologically sustainable development

The ‘principles of ecologically sustainable development’ for the purposes of the River Murray Act are set out in section 6(2):

(a) that the use, development and protection of the environment should be managed in a way, and at a rate, that will enable people and communities to provide for their economic, social and physical well-being and for their health and safety while –

(i) sustaining the potential of natural and physical resources to meet the reasonably foreseeable needs of future generations; and

(ii) safeguarding the life-supporting capacity of air, water, land and ecosystems; and(iii) avoiding, remedying or mitigating any adverse effects of activities on the environment;

(b) that proper weight should be given to both long and short term economic, environmental, social and equity considerations in deciding all matters relating to environmental protection, restoration and enhancement and to the facilitation of sustainable economic development.

3. Objectives for a Healthy River Murray

The Objectives for a Healthy River Murray are set out in section 7:

(a) river health objectives; (b) environmental flow objectives; (c) water quality objectives; and(d) human dimension objectives.

The river health objectives are:

(a) the key habitat features in the River Murray system are to be maintained, protected and restored in order to enhance ecological processes;

(b) the environments constituted by the River Murray system, with particular reference to high-value floodplains and wetlands of national and international importance, are to be protected and restored;

(c) the extinction of native species of animal and vegetation associated with the River Murray system is to be prevented; and

(d) barriers to the migration of native species of animal within the River Murray system are to be avoided or overcome.

The environmental flow objectives are:

(a) ecologically significant elements of the natural flow regime of the River Murray system are to be reinstated and maintained;

(b) the Murray mouth should be kept open in order to maintain navigation and the passage of fish in the area, and to enhance the health of the River Murray system and estuarine conditions in the Coorong; and

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(c) significant improvements are to be made in the connectivity between and within the environments constituted by the River Murray system.

The water quality objectives are:

(a) water quality within the River Murray system should be improved to a level that sustains the ecological processes, environmental values and productive capacity of the system;

(b) the impact of salinity on the ecological processes and productive capacity of the River Murray system is to be minimised;

(c) nutrient levels within the River Murray system are to be managed so as to prevent or reduce the occurrence of algal blooms, and to minimise other impacts from nutrients on the ecological processes, environmental values and productive capacity of the system; and

(d) the impact of potential pollutants, such as sediment and pesticides, on the environments constituted by the River Murray system is to be minimised.

The human dimension objectives are:

(a) a responsive and adaptable approach to the management of the River Murray system is to be implemented taking into account ecological outcomes, community interests and new information that may become available from time to time;

(b) the community’s knowledge and understanding of the River Murray system is to be gathered, considered and disseminated in order to promote the health and proper management of the system;

(c) the interests of the community are to be taken into account by recognising indigenous and other cultural, and historical, relationships with the River Murray and its surrounding areas, and by ensuring appropriate participation in processes associated with the management of the River Murray system; and

(d) the importance of a healthy river to the economic, social and cultural prosperity of communities along the length of the river, and the community more generally, is recognised.


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APPENDIX 2RELATED OPERATIONAL ACTS

Aquaculture Act 2001Coast Protection Act 1972Crown Lands Act 1929Development Act 1993Environment Protection Act 1993Fisheries Act 1982Harbors and Navigation Act 1993Heritage Places Act 1993Historic Shipwrecks Act 1981Irrigation Act 1994Mining Act 1971Murray-Darling Basin Act 1993National Parks and Wildlife Act 1972Native Vegetation Act 1991Opal Mining Act 1995Petroleum Act 2000South Eastern Water Conservation and Drainage Act 1982Natural Resources Management Act 2004

24


25

APPENDIX 3CONSULTATION

Regulation 5 of the River Murray Regulations 2003 provides that the following bodies must be consulted by the Minister when the Minister is preparing the first Implementation Strategy, or undertaking a review of the Strategy:

(i) the Local Government Association of South Australia;

(ii) the Murray and Mallee Local Government Association;

(iii) the Southern Hills LGA Inc.;

(iv) the South Australian Murray-Darling Basin Natural Resources Management Board;

(v) the Aboriginal Heritage Committee established under the Aboriginal Heritage Act 1988;

(vi) the Aboriginal Legal Rights Movement Inc.

The prescribed bodies have been consulted by the Minister in relation to this Implementation Strategy.

The following groups have also been consulted:

Natural Resources Parliamentary Committee

Regional Development Board, Murraylands

Regional Development Board, Limestone Coast

Riverland Development Corporation

Fleurieu Regional Development

Adelaide Hills Regional Development

Barossa Light Development

South Australian Murray Irrigators

Native Vegetation Council

South Australian Heritage Council

Murray-Darling Basin Commission

Murray Darling Association

The Murray Lower Darling Rivers Indigenous Nations

Department of Primary Industries and Resources

Department for Environment and Heritage

Environment Protection Authority

Department for Aboriginal Affairs and Reconciliation

Department of Trade and Economic Development

Department for Transport, Energy and Infrastructure

South Australian Water Corporation

South Australian Tourism Commission

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•


26 27

APPENDIX 4KEY DOCUMENTS

The River Murray Act requires that:

the Implementation Strategy must take into account the State Natural Resource Management Plan and the Planning Strategy (section 21(2)(c));the Minister should take into account any statutory instrument under a related operational Act that has application within the Murray-Darling Basin and that may be relevant to the operation of the Act (section 21(�)); andthe Minister may take into account such other strategies and policies that the Minister thinks fit (section 21(25)).

(i) State Natural Resources Management Plan 2006

The Implementation Strategy is consistent with the State Natural Resources Management Plan 2006. In particular:

the Minister’s priorities align with the key threats to the River that are identified in that Plan; andpolicies that will be developed to guide the Minister’s responses to referred statutory instruments and applications will be consistent with the principles for managing the health of water-dependent ecosystems, and with other relevant stated policies.

Table C shows the relationships between the Objectives for a Healthy River Murray and the State Natural Resources Management Plan 2006.

(ii) Planning Strategy

The Implementation Strategy has taken into account the Planning Strategy, and is consistent with all relevant portions of that Strategy. Pursuing a sustainable future for the River, based on targeting keyPursuing a sustainable future for the River, based on targeting key processes of environmental degradation, is consistent with the goals and priorities identified by the Planning Strategy.

Table C shows the relationships between the Objectives for a Healthy River Murray and the Planning Strategy for Regional South Australia.

(iii) Relevant statutory instruments under related operational Acts

Statutory instruments prepared under related operational Acts have been taken into account in preparing this Strategy. Instruments considered are listed in Table A. Some are more relevant than others to the operation of the River Murray Act, so the extent to which elements of these instruments are reflected in priorities and strategies identified in this Strategy varies.

In most cases, broad goals and objectives are reflected in this Strategy. More specific principles, strategies and actions will be taken into account in developing policies that will guide the Minister’s decisions during the referral process (see paragraph 5.1 of the main text of this Strategy).

•

•

•

••

26


27

TABLE ACatchment Water Management Plan for the River Murray in SA 2003-2008Development Plans of

Alexandrina Council (2003)Coorong Council (2003)Murray Bridge Council (2003)Renmark Paringa Council (2003)Mid Murray Council (2003)Loxton Waikerie Council (2003)Berri Barmera Council (2003)Mount Barker Council (2003)Kingston Council (2004)

Draft Development Plan Amendment: Stormwater in Urban Areas (Planning SA, 2001)State of the Environment Report for South Australia (2003)Environment Protection (Water Quality) Policy (2003); Stormwater Pollution Prevention: Code of Practice for the building and construction industry (1999)Native Vegetation Management GuidelinesNational Parks Management Plans

Brookfield Conservation Park (200�)Chowilla Game Reserve (1995)Chowilla Regional Reserve (1995)Coorong National Park (1991)Danggali Conservation Park (199�)Kapunda Island Conservation Park (1994)Loch Luna Game Reserve (1994)Maize Island Lagoon Conservation Park (1994)Marne Valley Conservation Park (1994)Media Island Conservation Park (1994)Moorook Game Reserve (1994)Morgan Conservation Park (1992)Mount Boothby Conservation Park (1999)Murray River National Park (1994)Ngarkat Conservation Park (2004)Ngautngaut Conservation Park (1999)Pandappa Conservation Park (1994)Pooginook Conservation Park (1994)Ridley Conservation Park (1984)Rilli Island Conservation Park (1994)Swan Reach Conservation Park (1984)Whites Dam Conservation Park (1984)

Soil Board District PlansMurray Mallee District Soil Conservation Board District Plan (1992)Murray Plains District Soil Conservation Board District Plan (199�)Coorong and Districts Soil Conservation Board District Plan (199�)

Mandatory Aquaculture Provisions (General) Policy (2003); Aquaculture Tenure Allocation Policy; Aquaculture Code of PracticeFisheries Schemes of Management for River Murray and Lower Lakes and Coorong

••

•••

••

•

•

•


28 29

(iv) Other strategies and policies

There are many other plans and policy documents that contain goals, strategies and actions for protecting the River Murray that are not prepared pursuant to legislation.

Goals, strategies and management principles identified in many of these plans and policy documents have been taken into account, and reflected as appropriate, in the Implementation Strategy. More specific principles, strategies and actions, and other plans and policy documents not included under this section will be taken into account in developing policies that will guide the Minister’s decisions during the referral process (see paragraph 5.1 of the main text of this Strategy). Plans and policy documents taken Plans and policy documents taken into account are listed in Table B.

TABLE BCreating Opportunity: South Australia’s Strategic Plan (2004)Integrated Natural Resource Management Plan for the South Australian Murray-Darling Basin (2003)SA River Murray Salinity Strategy 2001 – 201�; Consultation Workbook: Managing Salinity (2004)Basin Salinity Management Strategy, Murray-Darling Basin Ministerial Council, 2002SA River Murray Flow Management Strategy: Managing Environmental Flows For Improved River Health 2004-2020The Living Murray (Murray-Darling Basin Ministerial Council, 2002)Wetlands Strategy for South AustraliaCoorong, Lake Alexandrina and Lake Albert Ramsar Management Plan (1999)Biodiversity Plan for South Australian Murray-Darling Basin (2001)Draft Native Fish Strategy (MDBC, 2000)Sustainable Recreation Strategy for the River Murray and Lower Lakes (2002)South Australian Tourism Plan 2003 - 2008Responsible nature based tourism Strategy 2004 - 2009Ecological impacts of houseboats on the River Murray (Murray-Darling Association, 2002)Our Seas and Coasts: A Marine and Estuarine Strategy for South Australia (1998)Integrated Catchment Management in the Murray-Darling Basin 2000 – 2010 (Murray-Darling Basin Ministerial Council, 2000)Murray Valley Resource Management Plan (1989)Australian Natural Heritage Charter for the conservation of places of natural heritage significance (Australian Heritage Commission, 2002)Local Action Plans:

Loxton to Bookpurnong LAP Committee (1999)Mannum to Wellington LAP Committee (1999)Murray Mallee LAP Committee (2002)Mid-Murray LAP Committee (2000)Renmark to the Border (Draft, 1999))Eastern Hills and Murray Plains Board (2001)River Murray Urban Users Region (1999)Goolwa to Wellington LAP Committee (1999)Coorong and Districts LAP Committee (2000)Riverland West LAP Committee (1999)Berri Barmera LAP Committee (2000)

The revegetation strategy for South Australia (State Revegetation Committee, 1996)GreenPrint SA 2003Doing it Right

•••••

•••••••••••

••

•

•••

28


29

TABLE C

Comparison of the

River Murray Act‘Objectives for a Healthy River Murray’

and

Planning Strategyfor Regional South Australia

‘Goals’’7.

2a P

rote

ct h

abita

t

7.2b

Pro

tect

env

ironm

ents

7.2c

Pre

vent

ext

inct

ion

7.2d

Ena

ble

mig

ratio

n

7.3a

Env

ironm

enta

l flow

s

7.3b

Kee

p M

urra

y m

outh

ope

n

7.3c

Impr

ove

conn

ectiv

ity

7.4a

Impr

ove

wat

er q

ualit

y

7.4b

Red

uce

impa

ct o

f sal

inity

7.4c

Man

age

nutri

ent l

evel

s

7.4d

Red

uce

impa

ct o

f pol

luta

nts

7.5a

Ad

aptiv

e m

anag

emen

t

7.5b

Com

mun

ity k

now

led

ge

7.5c

Com

mun

ity p

artic

ipat

ion

7.5d

Hea

lthy

river

for m

ulti.

use

1. Economic Activity

A more diversified regional export base

Economic development within the context of sustained natural systems

A positive business, investment and employment climate

2. Environment and Resources

Conserve biodiversity and ecosystems

Sustainable use of natural assets

Natural resource management integrated with land use planning

Conserved cultural and built heritage

Healthy communities and resources

3.People,townsandhousing

Healthy and safe communities

Well informed communities participating in decision making

Supportive individuals, families and communities

Health, education and community services that are accessible

Diverse, affordable housing to meet community needs


30 31

7.2a

7.2b

7.2c

7.2d

7.3a

7.3b

7.3c

7.4a

7.4b

7.4c

7.4d

7.5a

7.5b

7.5c

7.5d

4. Water resources

Sufficient quantity and quality of water for human use and the environment

Water managed to maximise sustainable economic, social and environmental gain

Water managed in an integrated manner with other natural resources

Improved management of River Murray

5. Infrastructure

Reliable, efficient, competitive inter and intra-regional infrastructure

Regional infrastructure that supports economic development

A renewable energy industry

Affordable access to electronic information and communication

Efficient and competitive regional freight transport system

A safe regional transport system

30


31

Comparison of the

River Murray Act‘Objectives for a Healthy River Murray’

and

State NRM Plan‘Strategies’

7.2a

Pro

tect

hab

itat

7.2b

Pro

tect

env

ironm

ents

7.2c

Pre

vent

ext

inct

ion

7.2d

Ena

ble

mig

ratio

n

7.3a

Env

ironm

enta

l flow

s

7.3b

Kee

p M

urra

y m

outh

ope

n

7.3c

Impr

ove

conn

ectiv

ity

7.4a

Impr

ove

wat

er q

ualit

y

7.4b

Red

uce

impa

ct o

f sal

inity

7.4c

Man

age

nutri

ent l

evel

s

7.4d

Red

uce

impa

ct o

f pol

luta

nts

7.5a

Ad

aptiv

e m

anag

emen

t

7.5b

Com

mun

ity k

now

led

ge

7.5c

Com

mun

ity p

artic

ipat

ion

7.5d

Hea

lthy

river

for m

ulti.

use

1.1.1 Support research.

1.1.2 Utilize research.

1.1.3 Conduct programs to raise awareness.

1.2.1 Develop regional sustainable landscapes pilot projects.

1.2.2 Develop and trial market-based instruments for environmental benefits.

1.2.3 Review legislation and policy to achieve NRM outcomes.

1.2.4 Review legislation and policy to remove impediments to better NRM outcomes.

1.2.5 Integrate landscape scale planning for climate change.

1.2.6 Regional NRM boards and Local government bodies to work together.

1.2.7 Investigate investment arrangements.

1.2.8 Develop mechanisms that provide certainty about long-term investments in NRM.

1.2.9 Develop and use integrated modelling.

1.3.1 Refine State and regional targets.

1.3.2 Embrace protected area networks.

1.3.3 Support the recovery of threatened species.


32 33

7.2a

7.2b

7.2c

7.2d

7.3a

7.3b

7.3c

7.4a

7.4b

7.4c

7.4d

7.5a

7.5b

7.5c

7.5d

1.3.4 Build resilience in the landscape.

1.3.5 Prioritise actions for species.

1.3.6 Improve techniques to restore natural ecosystems.

1.3.7 Minimise the impacts of key threatening processes.

1.3.8 State-wide inventory of rivers, wetlands and estuaries.

1.3.9 Use inventories to underpin planning.

1.3.10 Manage and protect coastal ecosystems.

1.4.1 Protect productive agricultural land

1.4.2 Assess the risks from pest species.

1.4.3 Work with industry groups to respond to climate change.

1.4.4 Investigate industries that are resilient to the changing landscape.

1.5.1 Improve understanding of greenhouse gas budgets.

1.5.2 Reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

1.5.3 Account for greenhouse gas emission.

1.�.4 Develop bio-sequestration opportunities.

1.5.5 Provide technical and policy support.

2.1.1 Investigate the investment arrangements.

2.1.2 Facilitate the development and growth of ecologically sustainable industries.

2.1.3 Support multiple outcome primary production.

32


33

7.2a

7.2b

7.2c

7.2d

7.3a

7.3b

7.3c

7.4a

7.4b

7.4c

7.4d

7.5a

7.5b

7.5c

7.5d

2.1.4 Develop tools for sustainable land management.

2.1.� Develop more effective compliance.

2.1.6 Establish regional targets.

2.1.7 Develop strategies to reducethe risk of natural resource degradation.

2.1.8 Promote use of natural resources within sustainable limits.

2.1.9 Support Aboriginal communities.

2.1.10 Strengthen links.

2.1.11 Encourage industries to plan for ESD.

2.1.12 Consistency between Plans.

2.1.13 Work with natural resource based industries.

2.2.1 Strategies to achieve targets in Soil Conservation and Land Management.

2.2.2 Land uses that are compatible with land capability.

2.2.3 Maintain the Dryland Salinity Strategy.

2.2.4 Advise on climate change impacts.

2.2.� Align plans: Dev. and regional NRM.

2.3.1 Apply the National Water Quality Management Strategy.

2.3.2 Protect marine parks and coastal wetlands

2.3.3 Management of aquatic ecosystems.

2.3.4 Apply the South Australian Marine Planning framework.

2.4.1 Implement the National Water Initiative and State policies and strategies.

2.4.2 Implement the stressed resources method to identify stressed water resources.


34 35

7.2a

7.2b

7.2c

7.2d

7.3a

7.3b

7.3c

7.4a

7.4b

7.4c

7.4d

7.5a

7.5b

7.5c

7.5d

2.4.3 Review water management.

2.4.4 Use inventory of rivers, wetlands and estuaries to protect water regimes.

2.4.5 Risks of climate change to water resources.

2.�.1 Implement the MDB Intergovernmental Agreement 2004.

2.5.2 Pursue the return of 1 500 gigalitres.

2.6.1 WAPs take into account climate variability

2.6.2 Regional NRM plans to take into account the impact of climate change.

2.6.3 Align Dev. and regional NRM plans.

2.7.1 Use the National Water Quality Man. Strategy to manage water quality.

2.7.2 Implement catchment management measures to protect water quality.

2.7.3 Maintain the State Dryland Salinity Strategy.

2.7.4 Develop stormwater management plans on a hydrological catchment basis.

2.8.1 Support demand management and water conservation.

2.8.2 NRM Council - develop policy for stormwater management.

2.8.3 Multiple outcomes for stormwater management.

2.8.4 State policy on desalination.

3.1.1 Support ongoing learning and education.

3.1.2 Retain and build on the knowledge.

34


35

7.2a

7.2b

7.2c

7.2d

7.3a

7.3b

7.3c

7.4a

7.4b

7.4c

7.4d

7.5a

7.5b

7.5c

7.5d

3.1.3 Strategy for engaging and building community capacity.

3.1.4 Develop, promote and fund capacity building programs.

3.1.� Develop tools to assess the value of capacity building programs to NRM.

3.1.6 Work with Aboriginal people.

3.1.7 Provide opportunities and training.

3.1.8 Support the development of new skills.

3.2.1 Develop a science, technology and innovation strategy for NRM.

3.2.2 NRM Council will ensure the formation of partnerships.

3.3.1 Pursue integration across stakeholders.

3.3.2 Raise awareness of the State NRM Plan.

3.3.3 Guide comments on development applications.

3.3.4 Regional NRM boards will seek to work with local government bodies.

3.3.5 Support the Aboriginal Advisory Committee.

3.3.6 Regional NRM boards to engage and involve Aboriginal landholders in NRM.

3.3.7 Engagement of all interested parties in NRM planning and decision-making.

3.4.1 Deliver the vision and goals for NRM expressed in this Plan.

3.4.2 Retain and utilize the skills and knowledge of people involved in NRM.

3.4.3 Programs to increase awareness for sustainable NRM.


36 37

7.2a

7.2b

7.2c

7.2d

7.3a

7.3b

7.3c

7.4a

7.4b

7.4c

7.4d

7.5a

7.5b

7.5c

7.5d

3.4.4 Seek the knowledge, skills and expertise of local, including Aboriginal, people.

3.4.� Overcome financial, social and other barriers.

3.4.6 Work with local government to support environmental initiatives.

4.1.1 Contribute to the implementation of the Biosecurity Strategy.

4.1.2 Enable management actions to be enforced.

4.1.3 Risk management to prevent new pest species from becoming established.

4.1.4 Develop early detection and reporting systems for new pests.

4.1.5 Ensure capability for rapid response to eradicate new populations.

4.2.1 Conduct research into the management and impact of pest species.

4.2.2 Develop best practice control strategies

4.2.3 Review legislation and policy for invasive aquatic species.

4.2.4 Develop policies for over-abundant native species.

4.2.5 Reg. NRM plans include feasible control measures for pests.

4.2.6 Conduct regional risk assessment for pests.

4.2.7 Support appropriate management of over-abundant native species.

4.2.8 Pest plant and animal management and compliance information system.

4.2.9 Conduct targeted awareness and education campaigns.

36


37

APPENDIX �KEY THREATS, IMPACTS, PRIORITIES AND ACTIONS

NOTE – The strategies for each priority area are outlined in paragraph 5.1 of the text: provide advice or direction on referrals; promote integration; undertake or promote programs; enforcement and compliance; adopt leadership role for the Murray-Darling Basin.

KEY THREAT WHY IS THIS IDENTIFIED AS A KEY THREAT?PROCESSES AND IMPACTS

PRIORITIES ACTIONS TO BE UNDERTAKEN UNDER THE STRATEGIES

Clearance of vegetation

Processes:

Clearance can occur through:• direct removal of plants, or• indirect means like permanent

flooding of plants, lack of water, excessive gra�ing or significant weed incursion.

Impacts:

Clearance causes or contributes to:• loss of habitat, which has an

impact on native species (eg hinders migratory patterns, loss of places to live and breed). Habitat loss is the most significant threat to species survival. The already low levels of remaining vegetation compound effects of new clearance, contributing to continuing loss of diversity and hindering success of species recovery programs.

• loss of key vegetation associations (eg Red Gum woodlands), which are essential for adequate habitat as well as survival of the plant species found in that association.

• incursions of exotic plants (weeds), which can have a devastating effect on productivity of land, habitat, and water quality).

• erosion. Clearance in or near watercourses can result in erosion with resultant water quality impacts.

• rising groundwater and dryland salinity, which in turn has an impact on salinity of ground and surface water.

• degraded landscape and amenity values, with resulting impacts on cultural and natural heritage, and industries relying on these features, such as tourism.

Abate the clearance of vegetation

Control clearance of endemic native vegetation, and encourage re-vegetation

Control clearance of non-endemic vegetation where vegetation significantly benefits an aspect of the River

Develop policies for the protection and restoration of vegetation, taking into account the Guidelines prepared under the Native Vegetation Act, and in conjunction with the Native Vegetation Council

Use referral process in all relevant activity types to control vegetation clearance and require or encourage re-vegetation.

Encourage other agencies to reflect vegetation policies, including through mandatory referral of statutory instruments to Minister

Use management agreements to promote revegetation or vegetation management and protection in key areas

Use enforcement and prosecution to increase compliance rates


38 39

Absence of environmental flowallocationfor the River

Processes:

The taking of water and operation of water storages and other river regulating mechanisms radically change flow regimes.

Reducedflows are caused by excessive extraction of both surface water and ground water, both in South Australia and interstate.The impacts of climate change are also predicted to reduce flows.

Unnaturalflowregime (that is, reduced frequency, peak and duration of high flows, absence of wetting and drying cycles and a loss of connectivity between the river and floodplain/wetlands, and river and estuarine environments) is caused by lack of flexibility in managing the flow regime. The predominant cause of this lack of flexibility is reliance on constant pool levels in the River. Reliance on pool levels has lead to:• the use of backwaters and wetlands

for water off-takes,• lack of flexibility in managing weir

pools, barrages, and the Lower Lakes to alter pool levels, and

• the presence of numerous structures on the floodplain (pumps, roads, tanks).

Impacts:

Absence of an environmental flow results in:• loss of riverine, wetland and

floodplain ecosystems caused by the lack of wetting and drying cycles and loss of connectivity;

• declining water quality• declining freshwater flows into the

Coorong

Physical flow regulation structures can hinder the survival of species through hindering movement of species

Achieve an environmental flowregimefortheRiver

Promote formal allocation and management of an environmental flow

Promote water use efficiency

NOTE:An environmental flow regime is one that is modified so as to meet some defined environmental need, eg for channel scouring, wetting of the floodplain or stimulation of breeding.

Use referral system for statutory instruments and individual applications to support objectives identified in the SA River Murray Flow Management Strategy

Promote understanding within the community and government and non-government agencies about the significance of an environmental flow regime, and the impacts of such a flow regime on use and management of the River

Acquire and manage water allocations and structures for environmental flows.

Adopt an adaptive approach to management to respond to the effects of climate change.

Support public and industry education programs targeting wise water use and development of alternative water sources. (Eg, SA Water, and the SA Murray-Darling Basin Natural Resources Management Board)

Use management agreements to assist in managing environmental flow regimes – eg, wetland management.As constructing authority, improve management of river structures.

38


39

Poor and declining qualityofsurface water

Processes:

Degradation of water quality can occur through:

• direct contamination, for example because of:

o inappropriate storage and disposal of polluting substances (including septic tanks in permeable river sediments),

o polluting activities being undertaken in or adjacent to the River (such as house boats and marinas, and livestock grazing on floodplain and riverbanks),

o disposal of stormwater and other run-off water (these in turn can be caused by inappropriate siting or design of development); or

• salinity, because of:o increased irrigation in high risk

sites,o clearance of vegetation,o rising saline groundwater through

factors including irrigation increasing natural ground water gradient towards River, or

• erosion and silting

Rising salinity levels in surface water are a major, and increasing, cause of declining water quality.

Impacts:

Declining water quality causes, amongst other things:• loss of productivity of land;• increased water treatment costs;• declining River health in terms of loss of

vegetation (ie, habitat), threats to survival of native species.

Improvewaterquality

Prevent increases in salinity and work to reduce current salinity levels including the ‘legacy of history’

Control and manage pollution from sources and processes other than salinity

Develop policies under the River Murray Act 2003 for protecting and improving water quality, taking into account, existing policies such as the Environment Protection (Water Quality) Policy and the SA River Murray Salinity Strategy 2001 – 2015

Use the referral system (for both applications and statutory instruments) to implement policy outcomes, including those identified in the SA River Murray Salinity Strategy

Ensure the revision of the River Murray Water Allocation Plan reflects strengthened salinity policy.

Appoint Environment Protection Act 1993 authorised officers as officers under the River Murray Act 2003; coordinate enforcement policy with EPA, encourage and support priorities for enforcement

Develop appropriate response to activities that are presently un -regulated: such as farm practices, marinas and boating activities.


40 41

Threats to heritage values

Processes:

Degradation of heritage values can occur through:

• environmental degradation – key causes are set out in the preceding columns of this Table

• damaging, disturbing, or interfering with Aboriginal sites, objects or remains as defined by the Aborginal Heritage Act 1988

• degradation of landscape and amenity values of the River

• denial of access by Aboriginal people to the River as a result of private ownership, fencing and development

• decision making that does not include Aboriginal people

• degradation of built heritage, including historic shipwrecks

Impacts:

Degraded heritage values can lead to:• declining social and economic well

being of Aboriginal peoples with an association with the River

• loss of enjoyment and declining social well being of communities (Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal) who use the River for recreational pursuits

• declining economic well being of those who rely upon the heritage values of the River for their livelihood

• diminished cultural wealth, and associated opportunities, for future generations

Protect heritage values of the River

Use referral system (for both applications and statutory instruments) to protect heritage values (in particular, Aboriginal sites, objects, remains, important landscape features such as renowned vistas, cliffs and other geological features, and built heritage).

Encourage other agencies, both informally and formally through referral of statutory instruments, to recognize and protect heritage values

Support government and non-government agencies, and Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal groups to identify key heritage values and to identify and implement appropriate management regimes for their protection and/or restoration

Enforcement – review existing legislation to determine any need for additional regulatory protection of heritage values

40


41

APPENDIX 6 COMPARISON OF RIVER MURRAY IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGY – STRATEGIES AND ACTIONS

Strategies

Comparison of the

River Murray Act Implementation Strategy

Strategies and Actions5.

1a P

hase

in th

e re

ferra

l pro

cess

5.1b

Sup

port

the

dev

elop

men

t and

impl

emen

tatio

n of

pol

icie

s

5.1c

Sup

port

refe

rring

age

ncie

s

�.2a

Dev

elop

net

wor

ks

5.2b

Inte

grat

e

5.3a

Pro

mot

e th

e in

tegr

atio

n an

d im

plem

enta

tion

of a

ppro

pria

te p

olic

ies

5.3b

Use

man

agem

ent a

gree

men

ts

5.4a

Pro

vid

e an

ann

ual r

epor

t

�.4b

Dev

elop

form

al n

etw

orks

and

agr

eem

ents

�.�a

Dev

elop

an

enfo

rcem

ent p

olic

y

5.5b

Sup

port

the

enfo

rcem

ent o

f rel

evan

t pro

visio

ns�.

�c A

ppoi

nt a

ppro

pria

te a

utho

rised

offi

cers

5.6a

Con

tinue

to c

ham

pion

the

effe

ctiv

e im

plem

enta

tion

of th

e ‘fi

rst s

tep’

agr

eem

ent

5.6b

Con

tinue

to p

rom

ote

the

need

for a

n ex

tra 1

500

giga

litre

sC

learance of vegetation

Develop policies for the protection and restoration of vegetation, taking into account the Guidelines prepared under the Native Vegetation Act, and in conjunction with the Native Vegetation Council

Use referral process in all relevant activity types to control vegetation clearance and require or encourage revegetation

Encourage other agencies to reflect vegetation policies, including through mandatory referral of statutory instruments to Minister

Use management agreements to promote revegetation or vegetation management and protection in key areas

Use enforcement and prosecution to increase compliance rates


42 43

5.1a

5.1b

5.1c

5.2a

5.2b

5.3a

5.3b

5.4a

5.4b

5.5a

5.5b

5.5c

5.6a

5.6b

EnvironmentalFlow

s

Use referral system for statutory instruments and individual applications to support objectives identified in the SA River Murray Flow Management Strategy

Promote understanding within the community and government and non-government agencies about the significance of an environmental flow regime, and the impacts of such a flow regime on use and management of the River

Acquire and manage water allocations and structures for environmental flows

Adopt an adaptive approach to management to respond to the effects of climate change

Support public and industry education programs targeting wise water use and development of alternative water sources (E.g. SA Water, and the SA Murray- Darling Basin Natural Resources Management Board)

Use management agreements to assist in managing environmental flow regimes – e.g. wetland management, as constructing authority, improve management of river structures

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43

5.1a

5.1b

5.1c

5.2a

5.2b

5.3a

5.3b

5.4a

5.4b

5.5a

5.5b

5.5c

5.6a

5.6b

Pooranddecliningqualityofsurfacewater

Develop policies under the River Murray Act 2003 for protecting and improving water quality, taking into account, existing policies such as the Environment Protection (Water Quality) Policy and the SA River Murray Salinity Strategy 2001-2015

Use the referral system (for both applications and statutory instruments) to implement policy outcomes, including those identified in the SA River Murray Salinity Strategy

Ensure the revision of the River Murray Water Allocation Plan reflects strengthened salinity policy

Appoint Environment Protection Act 1993 authorised officers as officers under the River Murray Act 2003; coordinate enforcement policy with EPA, encourage and support priorities for enforcement

Develop appropriate response to activities that are presently un-regulated: such as farm practices, marinas and boating activities


Use referral system (for both applications and statutory instruments) to protect heritage values (in particular, Aboriginal sites, objects, remains, important landscape features such as renown vistas, cliffs and other geological features, and built heritage)

Encourage other agencies, both informally and formally through referral of statutory instruments, to recognise and protect heritage values


44

5.1a

5.1b

5.1c

5.2a

5.2b

5.3a

5.3b

5.4a

5.4b

5.5a

5.5b

5.5c

5.6a

5.6b


Support government and non-government agencies, and Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal groups to identify key heritage values and to identify and implement appropriate management regimes for their protection and/or restoration

Enforcement – review existing legislation to determine any need for additional regulatory protection of heritage values

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NOTES

COPYRIGHT© Government of South Australia, through the Department of Water, Land and Biodiversity Conservation 2006. This work is Copyright. Apart from any use permitted under the Copyright Act 19�8 (C wlth), no part may be reproduced by any process without prior written permission obtained from the Department of Water, Land and Biodiversity Conservation. Requests and enquiriesconcerning reproduction and rights should be directed to the Chief Executive, Department of Water, Land and Biodiversity Conservation, GPO Box 2834, Adelaide SA 5001.

DISCLAIMER The Department of Water, Land and Biodiversity Conservation, and its employees do not warrant or make any representation regarding the use, or results of use of the information contained herein as to its correctness, accuracy, reliability, currencyor otherwise. The Department of Water, Land and Biodiversity Conservation and its employees expressly disclaim all liability or responsibility to any person using the information or advice.

RIVER MURRAY ACT 2003 IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGY · 2015-04-27 · part 1 background 1. river murray...

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