PROTECT the ecological community to prevent further loss of extent and condition. RESTORE the ecological community within its original by active abatement of threats and other conservation initiatives. COMMUNICATE, ENGAGE WITH AND SUPPORT researchers, catchment management authorities (CMAs), land and managers, land use planners, landholders and community members, including the Indigenous community, to increase understanding of the value and function of the ecological community and encourage their efforts in its protection and recovery. In assessment of activities that may have a significant impact on the ecological community, the relevant actions listed below should be considered when determining recommendations, including conditions of approval. Applications to Australian Government funding programs should consider prioritising the restorative activities that work toward a healthy and sustainable ecological community. Priority protection, conservation management and recovery actions Priority actions are recommended for the abatement of threats and to support recovery and rehabilitation (where appropriate) of the ecological community. Actions inconsistent with these recommendations that are likely to significantly affect the ecological community should be avoided. Protect Hydrology and water quality High priorities Maintain the natural, three phase flow regime required for salt-wedge dynamics by ensuring that estuary mouths remain open at frequencies, for durations, and with passing flows, sufficient to maintain natural seasonal hydrological regimes. The EEMSS (2007) should be used to provide guidance on artificial opening of estuary mouths. Ensure that surface water and ground water extraction, major riverine regulatory infrastructure (e.g. reservoirs) and other infrastructure (e.g. bridges) do not significantly alter the current hydrology of estuaries within the ecological community. Minimise water quality impacts caused by run-off into rivers and estuaries, including pollution, increased nutrients (leading to eutrophication), chemical contamination, turbidity and sedimentation within estuaries by protecting buffer zones and implementing measures to reduce erosion within river catchments. Other priorities Develop and implement strategies to mitigate and manage acid flows and undertake risk assessments to identify areas of potential and active acid sulphate soils. Habitat disturbance and modification Prevent impacts to native vegetation, and substrate from any actions within, adjacent to or near the ecological community by planning for, avoiding or mitigating off-site
PROTECT the ecological community to prevent further loss of extent and condition. RESTORE the ecological community within its original by active abatement of threats and other conservation initiatives. COMMUNICATE, ENGAGE WITH AND SUPPORT researchers, catchment management authorities (CMAs), land and managers, land use planners, landholders and community members, including the Indigenous community, to increase understanding of the value and function of the ecological community and encourage their efforts in its protection and recovery. In assessment of activities that may have a significant impact on the ecological community, the relevant actions listed below should be considered when determining recommendations, including conditions of approval. Applications to Australian Government funding programs should consider prioritising the restorative activities that work toward a healthy and sustainable ecological community. Priority protection, conservation management and recovery actions Priority actions are recommended for the abatement of threats and to support recovery and rehabilitation (where appropriate) of the ecological community. Actions inconsistent with these recommendations that are likely to significantly affect the ecological community should be avoided. Protect Hydrology and water quality High priorities Maintain the natural, three phase flow regime required for salt-wedge dynamics by ensuring that estuary mouths remain open at frequencies, for durations, and with passing flows, sufficient to maintain natural seasonal hydrological regimes. The EEMSS (2007) should be used to provide guidance on artificial opening of estuary mouths. Ensure that surface water and ground water extraction, major riverine regulatory infrastructure (e.g. reservoirs) and other infrastructure (e.g. bridges) do not significantly alter the current hydrology of estuaries within the ecological community. Minimise water quality impacts caused by run-off into rivers and estuaries, including pollution, increased nutrients (leading to eutrophication), chemical contamination, turbidity and sedimentation within estuaries by protecting buffer zones and implementing measures to reduce erosion within river catchments. Other priorities Develop and implement strategies to mitigate and manage acid flows and undertake risk assessments to identify areas of potential and active acid sulphate soils. Habitat disturbance and modification Prevent impacts to native vegetation, and substrate from any actions within, adjacent to or near the ecological community by planning for, avoiding or mitigating off-site
consultation-document-salt-wedge-estuaries.docx