Water targets
The intention of this target is to protect and rehabilitate catchments that are used for potable water supply. Recovery of the catchments after the fires of 2003 is continuing and efforts to improve groundcover to reduce sediment run-off from erosion will continue to use natural processes in ensuring that relevant water quality standards are met. This work will complement efforts to enhance biodiversity in these catchments.
| OUTCOMES | OUTPUTS | ACTIONS |
|---|---|---|
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Intermediate Revegetation and better road management in the lower Cotter results in sediment movement to streams in the lower Cotter catchment stabilised at below pre-bushfire levels (2015) Ensure water supply security that results in water restrictions limited to one in every 20 years or less than 5% of the time (2015) Long-term The excellent condition of all ACT water supply catchments provides resilience to loss of water quality in parts of the catchment due to periodic bushfires or other periodic disturbance (2030) |
Area of catchment restored (ha) Land is protected from erosion Development of an ACT region water strategy based on the current ACT water strategy, Think water act water Related plans Draft Lower Cotter Strategic Management Plan Environment and Protection Act 1997, republication November 2004 Think water, act water Water2Water Water Resources Act 2007 ACT Aquatic Species and Riparian Zone Conservation Strategy Action Plan 20 ACT Planning and Land Authority Water Use and Catchment Code Forestry Code of Practice |
Foundation Choose an index of stream condition and catchment health (e.g. the MDBC Sustainable Rivers Audit) for use and to trigger action points so that adaptive management can be activated to address water quality or erosion problems Develop a geographic information system (GIS) data system for integrated water quality and stream health that combines agency and accredited Waterwatch monitoring and AUSRIVAS data On-ground Encourage Government endorsement of the integrated Lower Cotter Strategic Management Plan Rehabilitate priority subcatchments, including in-stream habitat, consistent with vegetation communities classification. Work prioritised according to condition and available funding Put erosion protection measures in place in priority subcatchments Increase Waterwatch involvement in monitoring progress towards restoration of water supply catchments Develop an agreement with stakeholders about supply of potable water from the Murrumbidgee and Queanbeyan rivers |
9.Water use
The intention of this target is to meet the challenges associated with increasing the efficient use of our water resources. In order to meet increasing demands on our system, active involvement of all sectors of the community in innovative and educated approaches is required.
The measurable target
| OUTCOMES | OUTPUTS | ACTIONS |
|---|---|---|
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Intermediate Reduction in per capita mains water use from 174 kL (2003) to 153 kL per year; and 20% of water use to be recycled, stormwater and rainwater (2015) Total net water use remains within the Cap agreed by the Murray-Darling Basin Ministerial Council and due for review in 2011 (2015) Long-term Stabilised per capita mains water use of 130 kL per year and a 20% increase in the use of recycled, stormwater and rainwater (2030) Total net water use remains within the Cap agreed by the Murray-Darling Basin Ministerial Council and due for review in 2011 (2030) |
Related plans Think water, act water Water2Water Australian Guidelines for Water Recycling: Managing Health and Environmental Risks (Phase 1) Stormwater Harvesting and Re-use Draft Australian Guidelines for Water Recycling: Managing Health and Environmental Risks (Phase 2) Stormwater Harvesting and Re-use |
On-ground The ACT Government has an active program of actions to support its target for reducing water consumption (see Think water, act water). NRM Council actions for this target will focus on promotion and public information, usually in conjunction with broader sustainability issues, such as ecological footprints (Target 1) |
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10.Surface water quality
The intent of this target is to protect and enhance riverine ecosystems across the ACT. All urban and rural rivers, streams, lakes and ponds hold potential for various ecological services such as habitat, water quality, and biodiversity. Activities, such as sediment in-wash, litter and point source pollution may lead to degradation unless intervention based on sound ecological and planning principles is undertaken.
The measurable target
- One is based on defined water quality standards assessed by physical and chemical methods (e.g. turbidity, oxygen concentration, nitrate concentration). Big rainfall events often lead to the standards being exceeded for a short time. The target recognises this, but aims to see improvements in catchment health gradually decrease the number of times the standard is exceeded.
- The second component is based on the AUSRIVAS method of monitoring aquatic macroinvertebrates as a more integrative method of assessing the impact of water quality and habitat condition. Sites are given scores of A (good) to D (severely impaired). The average score over the last four years was about half way between a B and a C.
| OUTCOMES | OUTPUTS | ACTIONS |
|---|---|---|
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Intermediate Surface water quality in all rivers, streams and lakes is ‘fit for purpose’ for 90 % of the time with respect to the Water Quality Standards as defined in the Environment Protection Regulations 1997 (ACT) (2015) AUSRIVAS scores average ‘B’ or better (2030) Long-term Surface water quality in all rivers, streams and lakes is ‘fit for purpose’ for 95 % of the time with respect to the Water Quality Standards as defined in the Environment Protection Regulations 1997 (ACT) (2030) AUSRIVAS scores average half way between ‘A’ and ‘B’ (2030) |
Related plans Lake Burley Griffin Management Plan (NCA) 1995 Riparian Zone Management Plan (Think water, act water) Water2Water Canberra’s Urban Lakes and Ponds Plan of Management |
Foundation Develop an index of stream condition Develop an integrated water quality and stream health GIS data system that combines agency and accredited Waterwatch monitoring data On-ground Rural Fence waterways to protect riparian zones Restore in-stream habitat in priority reaches Incentives for rural landholders to enhance the functionality of farm dams Urban Remove weeds and revegetate urban waterways to improve infiltration and reduce nutrient run-off Involve schoolchildren in catchment health activities through the sustainable schools programs Rural + urban |
11.Riverine ecosystems and wetlands
The intention of this target is to ensure longterm protection of internationally and nationally designated wetlands and the integrity of ACT riparian ecosystems. It is recognised that these systems have identified environmental, social, and economic values and provide a wide range of services including habitat and ecological function. They remain under threat and continued maintenance, restoration and monitoring is required.
The measurable target
| OUTCOMES | OUTPUTS | ACTIONS |
|---|---|---|
|
Intermediate Riparian health of the Molonglo River between Queanbeyan and Lake Burley Griffin enhanced (2015) Long-term The extent, integrity and condition of riverine and wetland ecosystems is maintained and enhanced in accordance with their stated values (2030) |
Ginini wetland managed to protect its stated values; the condition of all riverine ecosystems known and monitored Related plans Ginini Flats Wetlands Ramsar Site—Plan of Management 2001 Think water, act water Canberra Urban Lakes and Ponds Plan of Management ACT Aquatic Species and Riparian Zone Strategy |
Foundation A comprehensive survey of riparian ecosystem and wetland health and integrity including small to medium ephemeral wetlands within the urban area On-ground Stabilise Ginini and other subalpine bogs and wetlands Fence 70% of streams and wetlands on rural lands in priority subcatchments Strategic management of in-stream sediment Re-introduce endangered fish Publicise the value of ACT riverine ecosystems and wetlands Continue rehabilitation of wetlands and implementation of threat management programs Complete ecological character descriptions for all Ramsar wetlands and modified character descriptions for all nationally recognised wetlands Assess the condition of riverine ecosystems and wetlands Extend Aquatic and Riparian Zone Strategy to other river systems |
12.Environmental flows
The intention of this target is to maintain flows of water in our waterways that are necessary to support aquatic ecosystems. It is recognised that there are a number of pressures on use of water. Environmental flows provide key elements of the flow regime required to support and maintain aspects of waterway health. More information is needed about the particular needs of some species and community education is required to help people understand the multitude of factors involved.
In the ACT, environmental flows have only been established for the Cotter River.
The measurable target
| OUTCOMES | OUTPUTS | ACTIONS |
|---|---|---|
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Intermediate The ecological objectives in the Environmental Flow Guidelines are achieved (2015) Long-term The ecological objectives in the Environmental Flow Guidelines are achieved (2030) |
Environmental flows secure and used to achieve a balance between water supply and the needs of aquatic ecosystems Related plans Environmental Flow Guidelines 2006 Think water, act water Nature Conservation Strategy 1998 |
Foundation Better quantify the relationship between water regime and survival of particular species. On-ground Establish nursery areas for native fish and other large native biota Monitor and assess the impacts of flows on particular aquatic species Promote the importance of environmental flows for maintaining water ecosystems Contribute to reviews of the guidelines |
13.Groundwater
The basis of groundwater management in the ACT is to ensure that groundwater continues to be used in a sustainable manner. Pressure on the use of groundwater resources is recognised as the main threat and effective long-term management of its use is needed. This includes compliance, monitoring and investigative programs to ensure adequate quantification and characterisation of groundwater resources.
Groundwater quality also needs to be protected – particularly from pollution sources. This is done through legislation and policies of the Environmental Protection Authority.
The measurable target
It will identify high risk management areas using active monitoring programs, and calculate sustainable yield from multiple methods and management recommendations drawn from program evaluation
| OUTCOMES | OUTPUTS | ACTIONS |
|---|---|---|
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Intermediate Monitoring and measurement methods of aquifers expanded in accordance with increases in demand and risk (2015) Sustainable yields evaluated in line with most recent information (2015) Long-term Ensure water management areas do not experience groundwater abstraction above sustainable yields (2030) |
Related plans Think water, act water Draft Australian Guidelines for Water Recycling: Managing Health and Environmental Risks: Managing Aquifer Recharge (Phase 2) Environmental Protection Act 1997 Environmental Protection Legislation 2005 Water quality Environment Protection Policy, April 2008 Environment Protection Guidelines for Construction and Land Development in the ACT, August 2007 Contaminated Site Environment Protection Policy, November 2000 |
Foundation Comprehensive assessment of groundwater reserves and sustainable yields Foundation documents include: Environment ACT annual water reports, Salient Solutions and Integrated Carchment Assessment and Management Centre (iCAM) 2001, Groundwater Assessment of Jerrabomberra Creek Catchment, Salient Solutions and iCAM On-ground Cap new entitlement applications based on current knowledge of sustainable yields Cancel or buyback licences where appropriate Field validation of aquifers For priority subcatchments, determine water balance that incorporates regional groundwater modelling Monitor activities to ascertain water quality in and extent of known aquifers Collate historical information into database |
Biodiversity targets
Healthy functioning ecosystems are a fundamental element of healthy functioning landscapes. They are valuable in themselves and provide ecosystem services such as air and water quality, carbon sequestration, habitat, amenity and cultural value. Continued loss of communities and habitat is absolutely incompatible with ACT aspirations to being sustainable.
The measurable target
| OUTCOMES | OUTPUTS | ACTIONS |
|---|---|---|
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Intermediate Fire hazard management is improved so that it is more compatible with protection of plant and animal species and communities (2015) A strategy is in place to guide management and conservation of ecological communities threatened by climate change (2015) Long-term The integrity, condition and resilience of native terrestrial and aquatic communities and related habitats is as good or better than it was in 2008 (2030) |
Recognition of the conservation values of extant vegetation communities and their integration into A strategy to guide management and conservation of ecological communities threatened by climate change is developed Restoration and rehabilitation of land and vegetation to provide improved biodiversity outcomes on disturbed lands Related plans Planning Framework for Natural Ecosystems—NSW Southern Tablelands and ACT (2002) Nature Conservation Strategy 1995 |
Foundation Develop revegetation guidelines and standards Review off-set and other no net loss mechanisms in other jurisdictions in order to recommend approaches applicable to the ACT On-ground Develop policy that requires loss of any habitat to be offset at a commensurate rate Develop principles for fire hazard management that ensure that any potential biodiversity loss is localised, not ACT-wide Recognise and manage modified remnants for their contribution to biodiversity conservation Develop and apply mechanisms for off-reserve protection, including incentives such as payments for ecosystem services, rates rebates, voluntary conservation agreements Conserve and rehabilitate riparian zones and wetlands Improve links between researchers and land managers Develop a publicly accessible flora and fauna database Develop better monitoring systems and apply them in an adaptive management framework Assess the combined impact of pest animals, weeds, drought, fire and climate change on biodiversity Establish guidelines to assess impacts of loss or high disturbance of vegetation or habitat to ensure cumulative impact is minimised Review biodiversity valuation approaches and their potential to contribute to decision making |
15.Endangered species and communities
The ability of native species to be maintained in a landscape depends on the quality, quantity and connectivity of its preferred habitat. The intention of this target is to conserve endangered species and communities through recovery plans, action plans and mitigation of key threatening processes.
The measurable target
| OUTCOMES | OUTPUTS | ACTIONS |
|---|---|---|
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Intermediate Trajectories established that show that endangered species and communities are becoming less threatened (2015) Long-term The conservation listing status of endangered species and communities improves by 20% (2030) |
Related plans Threatened species actions plans ACT Vertebrate Pest Management Strategy ACT Weeds Strategy ACT Lowland Woodland Conservation Strategy ACT Aquatic Species and Riparian Zone Conservation Strategy ACT Lowland Grassland Conservation Strategy |
Foundation Assess the potential impact of climate change on endangered species and communities and the options for mitigation On-ground Identify and enhance priority habitat Establish species re-introductions or breeding programs if required Publicise the state and recovery of endangered species and communities Develop formal provisions that require any loss of endangered species habitat or communities to be fully offset Develop specific criteria that itemise prohibitions and restrictions on land use change in endangered species habitat Continue development, implementation and revision of threatened species action plans and conservation strategies Monitor the habitat of endangered species and communities to identify changes in condition Assess and address threats to species or communities that are in decline and in danger of becoming vulnerable Assess the combined impact of pest animals, weeds and climate change on biodiversity including the impact of extreme events such as drought, climate change and fire for inclusion in the next review of strategies and action plans for threatened species and communities |
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16.Urban biodiversity
Canberra enjoys the benefits of a rich and diverse urban ‘forest’, realising the vision of its original planners. Fundamental to this ‘bush capital’ vision is the interconnectedness of Canberra’s hills and open space that provides a valued ecological resource including for some endangered species and communities, as well as contributing to the community’s wellbeing and sense of place. Canberra’s urban forest also provides a rich ecological resource and refuge. This constructed landscape requires continued management and rejuvenation.
The measurable target
| OUTCOMES | OUTPUTS | ACTIONS |
|---|---|---|
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Intermediate Provision for enhancing urban biodiversity values and functions is incorporated into development decisions, management plans and local neighbourhood actions (2015) Long-term Healthy and resilient urban biodiversity, at local and landscape scale (2030) Canberra has established a strong international reputation as a ‘bush’ capital and is widely used as a best practice case study (2030) |
Foundation Develop targets and indicators for urban biodiversity Map Canberra’s urban biodiversity On-ground Rehabilitate and enhance urban biodiversity in open spaces and backyards Enhance connected habitats and corridors across Canberra Construct wetlands Collaborate with stakeholders on incorporating urban biodiversity into new greenfields developments Develop provisions for urban biodiversity to be considered in planning and land management Raise the profile of urban biodiversity in the community Involve schoolchildren through the Sustainable Schools Initiative Review development of East O’Malley in terms of success of biodiversity and tree protection in relation to the original proposal, and use any results for informing other greenfields developments Review potential threats to urban biodiversity, such as prescribed burning, due to fuel management requirements in the urban fringe Develop a biosphere reserve proposal for the ACT |