Waltowa WMP 2005 Small

Waltowa Wetland
MANAGEMENT PLAN 2005
Written By: Kjartan Tumi Bjornsson
LAPS
Lower Murray Local Action Planning Groups
Coorong District LAP

Goolwa to Wellington LAP
Mannum to Wellington LAP
Mid Murray LAP
Waltowa Wetland Management Plan 2005
TABLE OF CONTENTS
TABLE OF CONTENTS ................................................................................................................... i
LIST OF FIGURES...................................................................................................................... iii
LIST OF MAPS ........................................................................................................................... iii
LIST OF TABLES ....................................................................................................................... iv
Chapter 1. INTRODUCTION ..................................................................................................... 1
Section 1.01 Environmental, Social and Cultural Significance of wetland ............................. 1
(a) History of Waltowa wetland.......................................................................................... 2
Section 1.02 Why does Waltowa wetland need a management plan? .................................. 3
(a) Mission Statement ....................................................................................................... 4
(b) Vision Statement ......................................................................................................... 4
(c) Broad Objectives ......................................................................................................... 4
(d) Current Achievements ................................................................................................. 5
Chapter 2. SITE DESCRIPTION OF WALTOWA WETLAND .................................................... 7
Section 2.01 Wetland Location and description .................................................................... 7
Section 2.02 Survey Sites, Dates & Locations ...................................................................... 8
Section 2.03 PHYSICAL FEATURES ................................................................................. 10
(a) Waltowa Wetland in Current Dry State....................................................................... 10
(b) Waltowa Wetland in Past Wet State .......................................................................... 11
(c) Geomorphology, Geology And Soils .......................................................................... 12
(d) Climate ...................................................................................................................... 12
(e) Wetland Volumes and Water Requirements for various filling stages ........................ 12
(f) Surface and Groundwater Features ............................................................................... 14
Section 2.04 ECOLOGICAL FEATURES ............................................................................ 16
(a) Flora .......................................................................................................................... 16
(b) Fauna ........................................................................................................................ 17
Chapter 3. SOCIAL ECONOMIC AND CULTURAL VALUES .................................................. 22
Chapter 4. LAND TENURE, JURISDICTION AND MANAGEMENT ARRANGEMENTS ......... 23
Section 4.01 LAND TENURE .............................................................................................. 23
Section 4.02 LAND AND WATER USE ............................................................................... 23
Section 4.03 JURISDICTION AND MANAGEMENT AUTHORITY ...................................... 23
Chapter 5. THREATS AND POTENTIAL SOLUTIONS TO WALTOWA WETLAND ................ 27
Chapter 6. MANAGEMENT OBJECTIVES .............................................................................. 30
Chapter 7. IMPLEMENTATION OF PLAN ............................................................................... 33
Section 7.01 ON GROUND ACTION AND TIMETABLE ..................................................... 33
Section 7.02 WETLAND WATER OPERATIONAL PLAN ................................................... 37
(a) Hydrology Regime Options Year 1............................................................................. 40
(b) Hydrology Regime Options Year 2............................................................................. 41
Chapter 8. MONITORING ....................................................................................................... 46
i
Chapter 9. EVALUATION, REVIEW AND REPORTING .......................................................... 48
Section 9.01 Evaluation and Review ................................................................................... 48
Section 9.02 Reporting ....................................................................................................... 48
Chapter 10. REFERENCES ...................................................................................................... 49
Appendix A. Wetlands Atlas Data for Wetland Main Body .......................................................... 52
Appendix B. Baseline Survey Locations (Source SKM (2004).................................................... 53
Appendix C. Baseline Survey DEM (Source SKM (2004) ........................................................... 54
Appendix D. Baseline Survey Groundwater Bore Logs & Flow Direction .................................... 55
Appendix E. Baseline Survey Vegetation Zones ........................................................................ 62
Appendix F. Species List for Waltowa Wetland .......................................................................... 63
Section F.01 FLORA ........................................................................................................... 63
Section F.02 WETLAND AND FLOODPLAIN FAUNA ......................................................... 64
(a) Birds of Waltowa Surrounds and Lower Lakes ........................................................... 64
(b) Macroinvertebrates .................................................................................................... 65
(c) Frogs ......................................................................................................................... 66
Appendix G. Water Allocation Requirement: Option Dependent ............................................. 67
ii
LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 1: Culvert on wetland side of highway. (Wpp4) .................................................................... 6
Figure 2: Looking at the wetland from the highway (culvert in foreground). (Wpp4) ........................ 6
Figure 3: Culvert on Lake Albert side of highway with flow control structure. Fish grill presently not
fitted. (Wpp4)........................................................................................................................... 6
Figure 4: Looking at the inflow channel from Lake Albert. The culvert is in the foreground. (Wpp4) 6
Figure 5: Photo Point 1 (Wpp1) ..................................................................................................... 10
Figure 10: Photo Point 2 (Wpp2) ................................................................................................... 10
Figure 13: Photo Point 3 (Wpp3) .................................................................................................. 11
Figure 15: Waltowa wetland wet ................................................................................................... 11
Figure 16: Waltowa wetland wet ................................................................................................... 11
Figure 17: Waltowa wetland culvert with fish screen ..................................................................... 12
Figure 18: Waltowa wetland lake side of culvert ............................................................................ 12
Figure 19: Area of Waltowa used for volume estimates (SKM 2004) ............................................. 13
Figure 20: Juncus acutus .............................................................................................................. 27
Figure 21: Juncus acutus (detail) .................................................................................................. 27
Figure 22: Lake levels Mean Max., Mean Min. and Median (Max. and Min.) ................................. 37
Figure 23: Decision Support Framework (DSF) for Waltowa wetland ............................................ 39
Figure 24: Water regime scenario for Waltowa wetland - Year 1 ................................................... 40
Figure 25: Water regime scenario for Waltowa wetland - Year 2, Option 1 ................................... 41
Figure 29: Water Allocation Requirement over a year for each hydrology regime option ............... 67
LIST OF MAPS
Map 1: Waltowa Location ................................................................................................................ 7
Map 2: Map of Wetland Complex (Waltowa Photo location (Wpp)) ................................................. 9
Map 3: Expected water movement within Waltowa wetland .......................................................... 15
Map 4: Cadastral boundaries covering Waltowa wetland and surrounds. ...................................... 24
Map 5: Waltowa Stock Fences ...................................................................................................... 26
Map 6: Groundwater investigation sites within Waltowa wetland. .................................................. 35
iii
LIST OF TABLES
Table 1: Baseline survey monitoring of following parameters (SKM 2004) ...................................... 8
Table 2: Photo point locations ......................................................................................................... 8
Table 3: Summary of wetland basin volumes within Waltowa wetland (adapted from (SKM 2004))
.............................................................................................................................................. 13
Table 4: Water Quality (SKM 2004) .............................................................................................. 14
Table 5: Groundwater Monitoring Locations (SKM 2004) .............................................................. 15
Table 6: Habitat Features Identified in Waltowa wetland table adapted from (SKM 2004). ............ 17
Table 7: Native fish ....................................................................................................................... 20
Table 8: Introduced fish................................................................................................................. 21
Table 9: Waltowa wetland responsible positions contact details.................................................... 23
Table 10: Land Tenure .................................................................................................................. 25
Table 11: Existing and prospective threats to Waltowa wetland .................................................... 28
Table 12: Management objectives for Waltowa wetland. ............................................................... 31
Table 13: New Photo points and Piezometer Locations ................................................................ 34
Table 14: Implementation plan for Waltowa wetland land based activities..................................... 36
Table 15: Hydrological Operational Plan for Waltowa Wetland and Water Allocation Requirements
Depending on Options........................................................................................................... 45
Table 16: Monitoring plan for Waltowa wetland. ............................................................................ 47
Table 17: Waltowa wetland, Wetland atlas data (Jensen et al. 1996) ............................................ 52
Table 18: Plant Associations at Waltowa wetland (adapted from River Murray Wetlands Baseline
Survey (SKM 2004)) .............................................................................................................. 63
Table 19: Water birds at 23 sites bordering Lakes Alexandrina and Albert (adapted from (Gosbell
2004)) ................................................................................................................................... 64
Table 20: Macroinvertebrate taxa and abundance (SKM 2004)..................................................... 65
Table 21: Frogs recorded at Waltowa (SKM 2004)........................................................................ 66
iv
This management plan was written by Kjartan Tumi Bjornsson for the Coorong District Local
Action Plan Committee, and reviewed and endorsed by the SA River Murray Wetland Technical
Group.
Funding was provided by the National Action Plan for Salinity and Water Quality, the National
Heritage Trust, and the River Murray Catchment Water Management Board.
The management plan has been prepared according to the Guidelines for developing wetland
management plans for the River Murray in South Australia 2003 (River Murray Catchment Water
Management Board and Department of Water Land and Biodiversity Conservation 2003) and as
such fulfils obligations under the Water Allocation Plan for the River Murray Prescribed
Watercourse.
Disclaimer:
The Coorong District Local Action Plan Committee do not guarantee that the publication is without
flaw of any kind or is wholly appropriate for your particular purposes and therefore disclaim all
liability for any error, loss or other consequences which may arise from you relying on any
information in this publication.
Cite as:
Bjornsson, K. T. (2005). Waltowa Wetland Management Plan. Coorong District Local Action Plan
Committee, Tintinara.
Acknowledgements:
This wetland management plan has been developed with the support of a number of organisations,
community groups and individuals. Special thanks go to Adrienne Frears and Jem Tesoriero for
assistance with the draft.
Thanks also go to those that contributed their knowledge including, Ian Jolly and Kate Holland
(groundwater), Jason Nicol (vegetation), Adrienne Frears (monitoring plan), Jem Tesoriero
(historical knowledge and local knowledge), Scotte Wedderburn (fish), David Dadd (birds) Tom
Trevorrow and Matt Rigney both Ngarrindjeri elders (traditional landowner cultural values), the
Waltowa wetland surrounding landowners the River Murray Catchment Water Management Board
and the members of the South Australian River Murray Wetland Technical Group.
For further details contact:
Coorong District LAP
PO Box 1021
Tintinara SA 5266
Phone: (08) 8757 2100
Fax: (08) 8757 2222
Photographs:
Cover photograph: Top Waltowa wetland dry (Tumi Bjornsson),
Bottom Waltowa wetland wet (Jem Tesoriero)
Photographs in document Figure 15 to Figure 18 by Jem Tesoriero, remainder by Tumi Bjornsson.
© Coorong District Local Action Plan 2005
v
Chapter 1. INTRODUCTION
Since the adoption of the Water Allocation Plan for the River Murray in 2002 the wetlands of South
Australia have an annual water allocation of 200GL. To access this water allocation for wetland
management, a licence is now required.
The allocation of water required for Waltowa wetland is mainly in response to Section 5.1.
Objectives of the Water Allocation Plan for the River Murray (River Murray Catchment Water
Management Board 2002) Principle:
2 “Provide for the water needs of water-dependent ecosystems” and
6(e) “Provide for the allocation and use of water to prevent adverse impacts on the health,
biodiversity status of habitat value of floodplains, or wetlands of conservation significance”
Waltowa wetland is listed as a wetland of conservation significance in the Water Allocation Plan
for the River Murray (River Murray Catchment Water Management Board 2002). This wetland
management plan is structured in accordance with the criteria set out in the Guidelines for
developing wetland management plans for the River Murray in South Australia (River Murray
Catchment Water Management Board and Department of Water Land and Biodiversity
Conservation 2003).
SECTION 1.01 ENVIRONMENTAL, SOCIAL AND CULTURAL SIGNIFICANCE OF

WETLAND
The Wetland Atlas of the South Australian Murray Valley (Jensen et al. 1996) listed Waltowa
wetland as having a high conservation value and to be of international, national, basin and local
importance (see Appendix A on page 52).
Australia is a signatory to the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands of National and International
Significance and was the first nation to establish a Ramsar site. Ramsar listing recognises the
importance of wetlands on an international scale on the basis of ecological, botanical, zoological,
limnological or hydrological criteria with includes the role a wetland plays as a waterbird habitat
(National Wetlands Program 1998; Bjornsson et al. 2002). Waltowa is within the Ramsar area “The
Coorong, Lake Alexandrina and Lake Albert” listed 1st November 1985 (National Wetlands
Program 1998), which provide habitats for a number of water birds including migratory species (see
box). A part of the vision statement for the Coorong, and Lakes Alexandrina and Albert Ramsar
Management Plan includes the protection and restoration of natural habitats and the restoration of
viable native species ("Coorong, and Lakes Alexandrina and Albert Ramsar Management Plan"
2000), this management plan is a contribution towards this vision.
“The Coorong, Lake Alexandrina & Lake Albert. 01/11/85; South Australia; 140,500 ha;
35º40‟S 139º00‟E. National Park, Game Reserves and Crown Land; Shorebird Network Site. A
saline to hypersaline lagoon separated from the ocean by a dune peninsula and connected to
two lakes forming a wetland system at the river‟s mouth. The lakes contain fresh to brackish
water. The site is of international importance for migratory waterbirds, providing habitat for more
than 30% of the waders summering in Australia. The site includes important nesting colonies of
cormorants, herons, egrets, ibises and terns. The globally endangered Orange-bellied Parrot
(Neophema chrysogaster) over-winters on the reserve. Human activities include camping,
boating and regulated duck hunting. The area is noted for its extensive aboriginal, historic and
geological sites. Ramsar site no. 321.” (Peck 2000).
As part of the Management of Wetlands of the River Murray Valley Draft Action Plan 1996-1999
(South Australian River Murray Wetlands Management Committee 1996), Waltowa was listed as
the fourth highest rank priority for maintenance or rehabilitation of wetlands of the South Australian
River Murray Valley. Thompson (1986) recommends further study of Fauna during flooding of
Waltowa wetland as he would expect species to be recorded which are not found elsewhere in the
1
region. He classifies Waltowa wetland as having a high conservation value and recommends its
inclusion in a conservation park of the area.
The wetland has therefore seen ongoing recognition as a highly significant wetland environment,
with local through to international importance. On an international level the main significance
would be associated with the diverse habitat availability to migratory and local water birds. On a
local level the influence of salinity and aesthetics are also an issue. The restoration of this wetland
through the reintroduction of an appropriate water regime should therefore be a priority.
(a) HISTORY OF WALTOWA WETLAND
A short timeline of management at Waltowa wetland (some data from local anecdotal evidence):
Until the mid 1960‟s Waltowa was in a healthy condition with many reeds, sedges etc. as
well as many waterbirds including many swan nests (Trevorrow and Rigney 2005).
Used for swan egg collection, turtle egg collection and other food sources by the
Ngarrindjeri population (Trevorrow and Rigney 2005).
Cyperus gymnocaulos collected for traditional basket weaving until wetland degradation 45
years ago (Trevorrow and Rigney 2005).
Vegetation has not been observed on wetland bed (McClure 2005).
Water table seems to have been dropping in surrounding area over past 15-20 years (Fiebig
2005; McClure 2005).
Sedges have died off, as they no longer have access to the water table (McClure 2005).
Apparent drop in salinity of the surrounding area (Fiebig 2005; McClure 2005).
Until approximately 15 years ago there was a high density of lignum and reeds along the
northern edge of the wetland. To the extent that P. Fiebig (2005) fenced of the area from
stock as they would get lost in the vegetation.
P. Fiebig (2005) noted that the previous landowner had excavated a channel from the
wetland into his land, presumably to flood irrigate the pasture (50 to 60 years ago). This
could indicate that the wetland water was reliably fresh.
When the wetland has previously had water P. Fiebig (2005) did not notice any
corresponding rise in salinity in the irrigation area.
When flooding has occurred it has extended south from the wetland below the western half
of the wetland covering approximately 300 acres (Wright 2005).
No water has reached G.P. and R. C. Williams‟s property in past 20 years. This property is
to the southwest area of the wetland (Williams and Williams 2005).
The wetland was in the past fresh enough to be used as a watering point (McClure 2005).
1960‟s the wetland was inundated 3 of 4 years. The wetland has gradually become dryer
(McClure 2005; Wright 2005).
The water went to the back of the wetland (McClure 2005; Wright 2005).
There were originally three pipes under the causeway (Princes Highway) until new culvert
was installed (Gates 2005).
According to WCA report Waltowa was potentially a semi-permanent wetland up until 1983
(plenty of ducks in 1950‟ &1960‟s) (Jensen 1999).
Included in an environmental report by Pressey (1986).
Pressey (1986) suggests the instillation of flow control on road culvert to manage wetland.
2
Landholder consultation in 1999 (Coorong District LAP et al. 1999)
1999 April - Reconstruction of pipe culvert under Princes Highway & instillation of flow
barriers, including fish grills (Coorong District LAP et al. 1999).
1999 - Filling of Waltowa (Coorong District LAP et al. 1999):
o Unintentional due to a lack of sluice gate
o Unauthorised opening and then theft of gate, replaced with ill fitting gate
o October high lake levels
o Return of bird life due to flooding
1999 - 2000 Survey by Woodward Clyde (Jensen 1999).
1999 Management brief for Waltowa prepared by Wetland Care Australia (Coorong District
LAP et al. 1999; Jensen 1999).
1999 – 2001 Some inundation of Waltowa wetland another two times (SKM 2004).
2000 mentioned in Coorong, and Lakes Alexandrina and Albert Ramsar Management Plan
as an example of wetlands which need cooperation between landowners and managers for
restoration ("Coorong, and Lakes Alexandrina and Albert Ramsar Management Plan" 2000)
2000 listed as critical Ramsar wetland habitat for waterfowl, waders and waterbirds
("Coorong, and Lakes Alexandrina and Albert Ramsar Management Plan" 2000)
2001 September – Close of flow barrier.
2002 Introduction of water restrictions and requirement of water licence for flooding a
wetland (Water Allocation Plan for the River Murray 2002).
Since then only rainwater has brought in water to the wetland (Wright 2005).
2003 - 2004 River Murray Wetlands Baseline Survey (SKM 2004).
Landholder consultation in 2005 (8th June). A part of this wetland Management Plan
development.
2005 17th June installation of additional piezometers.
SECTION 1.02 WHY DOES WALTOWA WETLAND NEED A MANAGEMENT PLAN?

The Waltowa wetland has over time been degraded to the extent that, information on the natural
inundation or hydrological regime and the wetland condition is very scarce, and to a large part only
anecdotal. Jensen (1999) reports that the wetland was semi permanent until 1983, with associated
reeds and a high number of waterbirds. The water regime was at that time variable and dependent
on the lake levels. Following a blockage of the causeway under the highway the wetland degraded
from the early 1980‟s onwards, until the wetland became temporary.
In 1999 a box culvert was installed under the Princes Highway along with a flow barrier (flow
control structure) and a fish barrier. The wetland was at that time re-flooded, initiating the
regeneration of reed beds and other fringing vegetation (Tesoriero 2005). Since the introduction of
the Water Allocation Plan for the River Murray in 2002 (River Murray Catchment Water
Management Board 2002) the wetland has remained dry, causing the wetland to dry out and the
riparian vegetation, i.e. lignum (Muehlenbeckia florulenta), to become highly degraded.
The box culvert and flow barrier already installed provide the opportunity of reinstating the
permanent or semi-permanent nature of the wetland. It is anticipated that the reinstatement of the
„assumed‟ natural water regime would restore the wetland fringing vegetation and aquatic
(submerged and emergent) vegetation, and therefore provide habitat and breeding potential for
associated wetland communities such as waterbirds, fish and amphibians.
3
(a) MISSION STATEMENT
To restore the wetland condition and associated habitat values (wetland fringing and aquatic
vegetation) for the benefit of waterbirds, native fish species and native vegetation.
(b) VISION STATEMENT
The vision for Waltowa wetland is a restored semi permanent wetland fulfilling a diversity of
habitat requirements for both water birds and for native fish species. It is envisaged that the wetland
will be a „healthy‟ shallow clear wetland with a high diversity of macrophytes (emergent and
submerged) providing habitat for native fish and birds. The wetland would as a consequence be
expected to have regular visits by water birds, including migratory species. The riparian area would
be expected to be restored, both through active involvement with the removal of weed species and
through the encouragement of the growth of the remaining fringing vegetation such as lignum as an
upshot of the availability of fresh water. The restoration of the riparian areas through planting of
Melaleucas and other suitable species would also be envisaged.
Once the wetland restoration has been achieved through appropriate management of water regime
and on ground works, the wetland would need to be maintained. The maintenance of a restored
wetland, fulfilling the functions described above and without an adverse impact on adjacent farming
operations, wetland and lake salinity or fish habitat requirements would involve regular monitoring
and adequate timely response. The maintenance phase would require regular monitoring of water
quality, bird life, fish and other aquatic dependent species as well as aquatic and fringing
vegetation.
(c) BROAD OBJECTIVES
(i) Past Objectives

Past objectives for Waltowa wetland were established in „Management of Wetlands of the River
Murray Valley Draft Action Plan 1996 (South Australian River Murray Wetlands Management
Committee 1996)‟. These objectives include:
Improve hydrological management
Baseline for future monitoring
Prepare management plan for wise use of the Ramsar site
Effectively the objectives were for the improvement of environmental health by reinstating flows
into the wetland, with a flow regime consisting of relatively natural patterns of wetting and drying
(see management brief (Jensen 1999)). There was an anticipated regeneration and breeding of
native plants and animals as a consequence of the restored flow regime. A further objective was the
revegetation of native fringing wetland vegetation.
(ii) Present Objectives

The current objectives remain similar to past objectives. However, the management of the wetland,
due to a change in legislation, now requires a water licence for which a detailed operational
management plan needs to be developed. The objectives listed below, and in detail in Chapter 6 on
page 30, fulfil a number of the water allocation criteria from Section 5.3 of the Water Allocation
Plan for the River Murray (River Murray Catchment Water Management Board 2002).
Restore wetland (hydrological regime and water quality)
Restore native aquatic and fringing vegetation
Restore habitat diversity for water birds and aquatic wildlife:
o Birds, assist to maintain diversity in the Ramsar area
o Fish, increase abundance and maintain diversity
4
o Frogs, increase abundance and maintain (or increase) diversity (incidental in
Waltowa wetland)
o Tortoises, provide habitat (incidental in Waltowa wetland)
Monitor the impact of restored hydrology regime and respond to minimise adverse impact
(e.g. potential raising of saline groundwater under adjacent irrigation area, increase in
wetland salinity or wetland turbidity)
(d) CURRENT ACHIEVEMENTS
The wetland has a constructed inlet in the form of a box culvert under the Princes highway,
connecting the wetland to Lake Albert see Figure 1 to Figure 4 on page 6. This culvert was installed
by Transport SA in April 1999 (Jensen 1999). It has a flow control structure (sluice gate) allowing
the control of flows into the wetland. This flow control structure can be fitted with a fish exclusion
grill (the appropriate one is under the care of the Coorong Council) to hinder large fish such as
European Carp (Cyprinus carpio) from entering the wetland.
The surrounding landholders have a grazing management plan implemented. The wetland shoreline
has therefore been fenced off to exclude stock.
5
Figure 1: Culvert on wetland side of Figure 2: Looking at the wetland from the
highway. (Wpp4) highway (culvert in foreground). (Wpp4)
Figure 3: Culvert on Lake Albert side of Figure 4: Looking at the inflow channel
highway with flow control structure. Fish from Lake Albert. The culvert is in the
grill presently not fitted. (Wpp4) foreground. (Wpp4)
6
Chapter 2. SITE DESCRIPTION OF WALTOWA WETLAND

SECTION 2.01 WETLAND LOCATION AND DESCRIPTION
Waltowa wetland is listed as wetland number S0027 in the Wetlands Atlas (Jensen et al. 1996) and
is part of the Lake Albert Fringing wetland complex. The wetland is located approximately 10 km
north of Meningie within the Coorong District Council Area (Map 1 below). AMG coordinates
353883E 6059730 N (Grid Zone 54). Waltowa can be found on the 1:50,000 Meningie map sheet
number 6726-1. See Appendix A for more information.
Map 1: Waltowa Location

The wetland is found in the Hundreds of Bonney and Malcolm, the main body (that which is
considered for inundation) being within Bonney.
The wetland complex is listed as having areas of both permanent and temporary water regimes and
considered to cover an area of 821ha (Jensen et al. 1996), of which 236.7ha (area information
obtained from River Murray Wetlands Baseline Survey (SKM 2004)) are to be considered for semi
permanent inundation. The depth of Waltowa is regarded as very shallow with most of the wetland
having a depth of 0.3m (0.5m in the deep sections) (SKM 2004).
The wetland is separated from Lake Albert by a causeway, this being the Princes Highway. The
connection between the wetland and Lake Albert is through a box culvert under the highway at
352877E and 6058194N.
Waltowa wetland was classified as a back-basin by Pressey (1986) (see box). Seaman (2003)
classified the habitat condition of Waltowa wetlands as good (see box).
7
“Littoral wetlands: areas of emergent vegetation, in many cases containing discrete basins of
standing water, which fringe the lakes or which occur as „islands‟ on shallow banks within the
lakes;
Back Basin: essentially the same habitats as littoral wetlands except that they are largely
surrounded by areas of high ground and linked to the lakes by relatively narrow openings;”
(Pressey 1986)
“Vegetation structure significantly altered by very obvious signs of multiple disturbances. Retains
basic vegetation structure or ability to regenerate it (e.g. disturbance to vegetation structure
caused by very frequent grazing). Presence of aggressive weeds at high density (50 - 57%).
Core habitat areas exist that are buffered by scattered remnants. Species use of habitats is likely
to be opportunistic. Structural diversity limited to isolated patches if at all, micro-habitats
presence low.” (Seaman 2003).
The wetland sits to a large degree on freehold land and to a small part on Coorong District Council
land. The surrounding area is used mainly for grazing with an irrigation site immediately north
adjoining the wetland. The Coorong District Council in consultation with the Coorong District LAP
manages Waltowa wetland. All management decisions have been worked out and signed off by the
landholders.
SECTION 2.02 SURVEY SITES, DATES & LOCATIONS

The River Murray Wetlands Baseline Survey (SKM 2004) monitored different wetland parameters
(Table 1) at four separate dates. Waltowa wetland was not inundated for the time of the Baseline
Survey, therefore not all parameters could be considered for the Baseline Survey monitoring of
Waltowa. The baseline survey did; however, monitor water quality parameters in a small area near
the culvert at the start of the survey time. This pool did not remain until the end of the survey. As a
consequence, of those parameters monitored for Waltowa, not all were monitored as frequently as
in other wetlands. The locations of the Baseline Survey sites can be seen in Appendix B on page 53.
Photos of the wetland were taken on the 17th March 2005 at 4 photo locations. The photo locations
were at the coordinates in Table 2 below.
Table 1: Baseline survey monitoring of following parameters (SKM 2004)
Parameter Surveyed Date 1 Date 2 Date 3 Date 4 See summary on
page
Site physical Y NR X X X 6
Vegetation Y NR X X X 16
Fish N X X X X 20
Birds Y Spring Summer X X 17
Frogs Y 16/12/03 29/01/04 12/03/04 02/09/04 19
Macroinvertebrates Y 06/12/03 X X X 21
Water Quality Y 16/12/03 29/01/03 X X 14
Groundwater Y 22/01/04 21/07/04 X X 15
NR = Not Recorded
Table 2: Photo point locations
Label Easting Northing
Photo point 1 (Wpp1) 354529 6062777
Photo point 2 (Wpp2) 356275 6060597
Photo point 3 (Wpp3) 355381 6058785
Photo point 4 (Wpp4 at culvert) 352877 6058194
8
Map 2: Map of Wetland Complex (Waltowa Photo location (Wpp))
9
SECTION 2.03 PHYSICAL FEATURES

(a) WALTOWA WETLAND IN CURRENT DRY STATE
Waltowa has been in a dry state since 2002. As a result lignum (Muehlenbeckia florulenta), which
previously grew at the wetland fringe, have to a large degree died off or become dormant. Figure 5
below through to Figure 14 on page 11 show the wetland and its fringing vegetation in its current
state. Figure 11 to 11 on page 11 show the state of the lignum (Muehlenbeckia florulenta).
Figure 5: Photo Point 1 (Wpp1) Figure 6: Photo Point 1 (Wpp1)
10
(b) WALTOWA WETLAND IN PAST WET STATE

Figure 15 to Figure 18 show the condition of Waltowa wetland and surrounds when it is inundated.
As can be seen in these photos, birdlife returns to the wetland when it is inundated.
Figure 15: Waltowa wetland wet Figure 16: Waltowa wetland wet
11
Figure 17: Waltowa wetland culvert with Figure 18: Waltowa wetland lake side of
fish screen culvert
(c) GEOMORPHOLOGY, GEOLOGY AND SOILS

The soil in the southern part of the wetland, marshy area, consists mainly of clay with some layers
of clay with minimal sand content. The soil in the northern part of the wetland has a shallow 0.5m
clay profile on mainly sand and clayey sand (SKM 2004). Copies of the soil logs from the Baseline
Survey can be found in Appendix D on page 55. Locations are presented in Section 2.03(f)(ii) on
page 15.
The wetland sits on the Saint Kilda Formation from the Holocene.
(d) CLIMATE
The following climatic conditions are taken from the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) Meningie
station (number 024518) (Latitude (deg S): -35.6904; Longitude (deg E): 139.3375) (BOM 2005).
The recording of data commenced at Meningie in 1864; the latest records used in the assessment of
the climatic condition of the area stemming from 2004.
Waltowa wetland has a Mediterranean climate with warm dry summers and cool wet winters. The
median (5th decile) annual rainfall is 457 mm. The mean monthly maximum rainfall is in June (61.9
mm), the minimum in February (16.9 mm). The expected mean daily maximum temperature is
highest in February at 25.4 C, lowest in July at 14.9 C, and has an annual mean of 20.8 C. The
minimum daily temperature is at its maximum in January and February at 13.8 C, for both months,
and its minimum in July at 6.7 C. The annual mean daily minimum temperature is 10.3 C.
(e) WETLAND VOLUMES AND WATER REQUIREMENTS FOR VARIOUS FILLING STAGES
The wetland volume was calculated in the Baseline Survey. Table 3 on page 13 summarises the
wetland water requirement for Waltowa wetland as calculated for the area shown in Figure 19 based
on the DEM developed for the Baseline Survey (see Appendix C on page 54). The volumes at
selected hydrology regimes including evaporative losses are covered in Section 7.02 on page 37.
The salinity impact of wetland management was to be estimated using the SIWM model. However
the Department of Water Land and Biodiversity Conservation (DWLBC) has withdrawn the use of
the SIWM model. Some inherent difficulties were found in developing and finalising this model for
general use leading to a new modelling approach to be undertaken. DWLBC is presently developing
a new model for the simulation of, the impact wetland management will have on salt accumulation
within wetlands, as well as, the potential impacts to the river (Croucher 2005). A salinity
assessment will be conducted on Waltowa Wetland once the model is available for use, a brief
report outlining the results of this modelling will be included in the plan in the future.
12
Figure 19: Area of Waltowa used for volume estimates (SKM 2004)
Table 3: Summary of wetland basin volumes within Waltowa wetland (adapted from (SKM
2004))
RLm Volume m3
2
Filling Stage Area (ha) Area (m ) Depth m (AHD)* (KL) Volume ML
Full 236.7 2,367,320 0.50 0.50 431,787 432
Three quarters full 132.5 1,325,286 0.38 0.38 209,638 210
Half full 84.6 846,023 0.25 0.25 75,920 76
Quarter full 23.3 233,052 0.13 0.13 6,016 6
Result Reliability 75% (SKM 2004).
*Base of wetland is at 0 mAHD.
13
(f) SURFACE AND GROUNDWATER FEATURES
(i) Surface water

The wetland has remained dry for extended periods since the 1980‟s (see Section 1.01(a) on page 2)
because the old pipes under the road were blocked. A new culvert was constructed in 1999 under
the Princes Highway at Zone 54, 352877E and 6058194N (see Figure 1, Figure 2, Figure 3, Figure
4 on page 6). This new culvert, which is a box culvert with a flow barrier and large fish grills
(control structures), has remained closed since 2002. For a short time, at the commencement of the
Baseline Survey monitoring, some water remained within the wetland, which was monitored for
water quality (see Table 4 below). For a description of the implications of water quality in wetlands
refer to Your Wetland: Supporting Information (Tucker et al. 2003).
In comparison the monitored Lake Albert Salinity obtained from the, DWLBC Surface Water
Archive (Department of Water Land and Biodiversity Conservation 2005), has a median (daily
readings from 1986 to 2004) of EC 1469 μS/cm or EC 1990 μS/cm over a one year period September
2003 to September 2004. This monitoring location is approximately 9km south of the Waltowa
wetland inlet at the Meningie Sailing Club (Zone 54, 349821E and 6050128N).
Table 4: Water Quality (SKM 2004)
Parameters 16/12/03 29/01/04
EC μS/cm Mean 2330 ± 0 2500 ± 0
Min. 2330 2500
Max. 2330 2500
-1
DO mg/L Mean - 6.4 ± 0
Min. - 6.4
Max. - 6.4
pH Mean 8.14 ± 0 8.05 ± 0
Min. 8.14 8.05
Max. 8.14 8.05
Turbidity NTU Mean 139 ± 0 10 ± 0
Min. 139 10
Max. 139 10
Water Temperature C Mean 23.4 ± 0 21.2 ± 0
Min. 23.4 21.2
Max. 23.4 21.1
n 1 1
The Flood Inundation Model does not extend beyond Mannum and is therefore unavailable for this
region. No simulations were therefore performed for Waltowa wetlands based on the Flood
Inundation Model. To provide some understanding of the anticipated flow within Waltowa wetland
Map 3 on page 15 shows the anticipated flow direction of water following inundation.
14
Map 3: Expected water movement within Waltowa wetland
(ii) Groundwater
The baseline survey installed 5 groundwater wells within Waltowa wetland. These wells were
monitored 4 times during the survey period (22nd January, 12th March, 21st July and 2nd September
2004). The locations of the wells are presented in Table 5 below and a map of the groundwater flow
direction in Appendix D on page 55.
Table 5: Groundwater Monitoring Locations (SKM 2004)
Elevation of Bore Hole Ground Elevation Benchmark

NAME EASTING NORTHING casing (m-AHD) (m-AHD) (m-AHD)
WA1 353315.1 6057924.3 1.832 0.653 0.715
WA2 353192.7 6057781.8 1.794 0.648 0.778
WA3 354376.8 6058467.1 2.198 1.147 1.247
WA4 353972.4 6058939.2 2.294 1.339 1.462
WA5 353053.9 6058684
The groundwater salinity levels were lowest around the irrigation area probably due to the less
saline input of fresh irrigation water. The remainder of the sites have salinity greater than that of
seawater.
So far it seems that the irrigation area and the lake water intrusion has caused the groundwater to
flow in a south south-easterly direction towards the lower levels of the wetland. Due to the shallow
water table in this southern part of the wetland evaporative loses increase the groundwater salinity.
Therefore, the groundwater salinity in the southern part of the wetland was found to be extremely
high, to the extent of hyper-saline conditions and salt crystal formation (SKM 2004).
15
The wetland water, which was found within the wetland at the start of the baseline survey, was
found to have low salinity and therefore assumed to be mainly influenced by lake conditions and
not groundwater (SKM 2004). After consultation with landowners, the most likely source for the
fresh water would have been via rainfall and seepage from the relatively fresh irrigation water, plus
discharge from lake. The rains of June 2005 have inundated the wetland substantially, supporting
the probability of the freshwater found during the Baseline Survey was due to rainwater.
(iii) Implications for management

There is concern that the inundation of the wetland would reverse the flow of the groundwater and
raise the saline groundwater around the irrigation area. That is, two things happen. First, the
groundwater is raised due to the pressure from the newly flooded wetland. This would bring up the
saline groundwater already present at 1 to 1.5 m below ground level to less than 1 m. Secondly; the
raised groundwater would become increasingly saline due to evapoconcentration as the water table
is raised. The impact of the reflooding (inundation) of Waltowa wetland in relation to the adjacent
irrigation area is not fully known. This and additional threats to the wetland are discussed in
Chapter 5 on page 27.
SECTION 2.04 ECOLOGICAL FEATURES

(a) FLORA
The wetland basin itself is not vegetated; see Appendix E on page 62. There is some degraded
lignum (Muehlenbeckia florulenta) around the fringes with competing African boxthorn (Lycium
ferocissimum) infestation.
The Baseline Survey (SKM 2004) identified a small patch of Phragmites australis in the vicinity of
the culvert to Lake Albert. The Baseline Survey listed the samphire species Halosarcia
pergranulata ssp. pergranulata as being the dominant shrubland species in the wetland vicinity, as
well as some invasive pasture grasses. Three plant associations were surveyed by the Baseline
Survey these being:
Muehlenbeckia florulenta Open Shrubland over Halosarcia pergranulata ssp. pergranulata
Halosarcia pergranulata ssp. pergranulata Closed Shrubland
Halosarcia pergranulata ssp. pergranulata Low Open Shrubland
A detailed list of species found within the plant associations can be found in Appendix F Section
F.01 on page 63.
Of consequence to wetland management were two identified species with conservation significance.
Lignum (Muehlenbeckia florulenta) is listed as rare within the region (SKM 2004) and Sclerolaena
muricata var. villosa (five-spine bindyi) is listed as rare in South Australia as per the South
Australian National Parks and Wildlife Act 1972 (National Parks and Wildlife Council and
Department for Environment and Heritage 2003; SKM 2004). For a description of the function of
vegetation in wetlands refer to Your Wetland: Supporting Information (Tucker et al. 2003).
(i) Implications for management

Lignum (Muehlenbeckia florulenta) should be seen as a target species for restoration through the
alteration of the water regime. The removal of competing invasive species should also be addressed
and monitored such as pasture weeds and African boxthorn (Lycium ferocissimum). The River
Murray Wetlands Baseline Survey (SKM 2004) recommends the establishment of revegetation
programs to re-establish salt tolerant vegetation communities (Melaleuca halmaturorum (saltwater
paperbark) woodlands and Gahnia filum sedgelands).
16
(b) FAUNA
The River Murray Wetlands Baseline Survey (SKM 2004) conducted a number of surveys on fauna
in the wetland environment. These surveys are described below.
(i) Birds
Waltowa wetland is recognised in the Coorong, and Lakes Alexandrina and Albert Ramsar
Management Plan as an area of critical habitat for waterfowl, waders and waterbirds ("Coorong,
and Lakes Alexandrina and Albert Ramsar Management Plan" 2000).
The bird assessment of the River Murray Wetlands Baseline Survey (SKM 2004) was conducted in
the western half of the wetland. In this section of the wetland there is a low diversity of habitat with
low-level vegetation. The roadside vegetation includes some lignum and reed beds, which are fed
by Lake Albert. Only the species Masked Lapwing, eight individuals, was observed on the dry
wetland. The Masked Lapwing, a migratory species, is protected under the Environment Protection
and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (SKM 2004).
The limited habitat conditions, due to the wetland being dry, were considered to have influenced the
diversity and abundance of bird populations in Waltowa wetland. The reason therefore for the lack
of birds using Waltowa, is considered to be the present dry nature of the wetland. The habitat
availability identified by the Baseline Survey (SKM 2004) are listed in Table 6. The inundation of
the wetland should contribute to the development of more diverse habitats than presently available,
e.g. open water, water‟s edge, mud flats and Sedges. The development of a more diverse habitat
within Waltowa wetland should consequently benefit the birds found in the surrounding Ramsar
area.
Table 6: Habitat Features Identified in Waltowa wetland table adapted from (SKM 2004).
Habitat features Spring Summer
Shoreline Simple Simple
Fringing vegetation Patchy low cover Continuous low cover
Reeds Occasional Occasional
Sedges Absent Absent
Herbs Extensive Extensive
Wet mud Absent Absent
Dry mud Extensive Extensive
Hollow bearing trees Absent Absent
Perching trees Absent Absent
Water‟s edge NA NA
Fringing River Red Gums Absent Absent
Water depth (m) 0 0
Water level NA NA
A surveys of bird species found in the area of the Lower Lakes from the period of January 2003 and
February 2004 was preformed (Gosbell 2004). This survey was conducted at 23 sites over a period
of twelve months; Appendix F Section F.02(a) contains a list of the water birds seen as part of this
survey. The findings of the survey were that waterfowl made up 94% of all observations with 45
species, compared to 17 species of waders. Of the 17 waders, 8 were migratory. The scarcity of
waders may indicate a lack of suitable habitat or habitat quality. Further, a steady decline in
waterbirds over the past 30-40 years may be due to a loss of habitat and habitat diversity (Gosbell
2004). Some important waterbirds spotted at Waltowa wetland during the Lower Lakes Survey
include:
17
Grey Teal Anas gracilis
Australian Shelduck Tadorna tadornoides (which need tree hollows for breeding and
therefore wander)
Purple Swamphen Porphyrio porphyrio (which showed a preference for shallow vegetated
areas)
Australasian Shoveler Anas rhynchotis
As a future guide to the potential waterbirds at Waltowa wetland, many waterbirds seen at Poltalloc
wetland, which provides a similar habitat and water conditions to Waltowa wetland, can also be
expected at Waltowa wetland (Dadd 2005). The baseline survey of Poltalloch wetland that is
currently under way in 2005 should therefore give a good indication of the response by waterbirds,
to the proposed management of Waltowa wetland, i.e. this plan. Until more data becomes available
it can be assumed, based on expected habitats and the current birds seen around the Lower Lakes
and the Coorong, that the following lists of birds would be expected to make use of Waltowa
wetland as a consequence of inundation (Dadd 2005). The CAMBA (China Australia Migratory
Birds Agreement) and JAMBA (Japan Australia Migratory Birds Agreement) listed species were
taken from ("Camba" 1986; "Jamba" 1986). CAMBA and JAMBA are intergovernmental
agreements for the protection of migratory birds and their habitats.
In the fringing areas of Waltowa wetland occasional visits could be expected by the Black-tailed
Native hen Gallinula ventralis.
The waterbirds seen on the lakeside of Waltowa wetland include:
Royal Spoonbill Platalea regia
Australasian Shoveler Anas rhynchotis – Large concentrations
Grey Teal Anas gracilis
Chestnut Teal Anas castanea – seen mainly in winter, however not as many as the grey teal
Black Duck Anas superciliosa
Australian Shelduck Tadorna tadornoides *
Pink-eared Duck Malacorhynchus membranaceus
Freckled Duck Stictonetta naevosa
Swan Cygnus spp.
Other birds which could be expected to take advantage, if reeds establish on the wetland side,
include:
Purple Swamphen Porphyrio porphyrio *
Australian Crake Porzana pusilla
Spotless Crake Porzana tabuensis
Dusky Moorhen Gallinula tenebrosa
Whiskered Tern Chlidonias hybridus *
Gull-billed Tern Sterna nilotica
Caspian Tern Sterna caspia (CAMBA listed)
Crested Tern Sterna bergii (small possibility)
Silver Gull Larus novaehollandiae *
18
All Grebes, which are fish eaters/divers, and may therefore use Waltowa wetland if fish
return in significant numbers
o Australasian Grebe Tachybaptus novaehollandiae – lakes, this species prefers fresh
water
o Great Crested Grebe Podiceps cristatus – tolerant to saline water, seen at the
Coorong and lakes
o Hoary Head Grebe Poliocephalus poliocephalus – tolerant to saline water, seen at
the Coorong and lakes
Wading birds, which would be expected at Waltowa wetland, include:
Black-winged Stilt Himantopus himantopus
Red-necked Avoset Recurvirostra novaehollandiae *
Banded Stilt Cladorhynchus leucocephalus – which prefers hyper saline environments. This
wader is often seen in southern area of Coorong and at Poltalloch wetland.
Marsh Sandpiper Tringa stagnatilis (CAMBA listed)
The migratory wadders that would be expected on mudflats and early in the season on wet grassy
marsh include:
Sharp-tailed Sandpiper Calidris acuminata (CAMBA/JAMBA listed) – has been seen at
Poltalloch wetland. Sharp-tailed Sandpiper was also identified as a potential user of
Waltowa wetland by Seaman (2003).
Red-Necked stint Calidris ruficollis (CAMBA/JAMBA listed) – which has been seen in
Waltowa wetland area. Red-Necked stint was also identified as a potential user of Waltowa
wetland by Seaman (2003).
Common Greenshank Tringa nebularia (CAMBA/ JAMBA listed). Common Greenshank
was also identified as a potential user of Waltowa wetland by Seaman (2003).
Migratory waders that would be expected at the end of season whilst moving out
Curlew Sandpiper Calidris ferruginea (CAMBA/JAMBA listed). Curlew Sandpiper was
also identified as a potential user of Waltowa wetland by Seaman (2003).
Black-tailed Godwit Limosa limosa (CAMBA/JAMBA listed) – This species spends most of
the season at the Murray Mouth and has been seen at Poltalloch wetland in the last three
weeks prior to migrating to Siberia.
Further, a duck hunter has reportedly, seen a Painted Snipe Rostratula benghalensis (CAMBA
listed) in samphire area close to Narrung, however this sighting was not been confirmed by D. Dadd
(2005). Waltowa wetland is listed as a potential habitat for the Painted Snipe by Seaman (2003).
Seaman (2003) also identifies Waltowa wetland as a potential habitat for the Australaisian Bittern
Botaurus poiciloptilus, Lewin‟s Rail Rallus pactoralis, Orange-Bellied Parrot Neophema
chrysogaster as well as habitat for migratory waders, Sharp-tailed Sandpiper Calidris acuminata,
Curlew Sandpiper Calidris ferruginea, Red-necked Stint Calidris ruficollis and Common
Greenshank Tringa nebularia.
Thompson (1986) recorded approximately 500 ducks as well as the birds identified by a * above.
(ii) Frogs
Three frog species were recorded at Waltowa. The Brown Tree Frog Litoria ewingi (between 2 and
9 individuals) and the Common Froglet Crinia signifera (between 10 and 50 individuals) were
recorded in September, and one Spotted Grass Frog Limnodynastes tasmaniensis was recorded in
December. All these frogs were recorded close to Princes Highway at the western end of the
19
wetland. Lake Albert sustains reed beds and open water on the western side of the Highway (i.e. not
wetland side) where some frog habitat is available. See Appendix F Section F.02(c).
On the 17th of July the Common Froglet and the Brown Tree Frog were heard (by Adrienne Frears
and Tumi Bjornsson) following rains, which partially inundated the wetland. The Peron‟s Tree Frog
Litoria peroni was also heard on this date on the Lake Albert side of the culvert.
(iii) Fish
Within the Lower Lakes Fish Inventory (Wedderburn and Hammer 2003) the fish species and
relative abundance presented in Table 7 and Table 8 were recorded for Lake Albert (tables were
adapted from (Wedderburn and Hammer 2003)). The sampling point of the Lower Lakes Fish
Inventory for Waltowa wetland area was located at 0352911E 6058365N, which is near the culvert
on Lake Albert side of the Princes Highway. Since this survey, the Murray hardyhead
(Craterocephalus fluviatilis) has again been observed (Wedderburn 2005). The SKM (2004)
Baseline Survey did not sample fish at this wetland due to lack of water.
Flow control structures can have an impact on the movement of fish in and out of wetland
environments, due to changes in water quality and/or water flow (velocities, turbulence) (see Your
Wetland: Supporting Information (Tucker et al. 2003)).
Murray hardyhead (Craterocephalus fluviatilis) is considered Vulnerable as listed in Environment
Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 ("Epbc Act" 1999) of Australia and Endangered
in South Australia (National Parks and Wildlife Act 1972 (National Parks and Wildlife Council and
Department for Environment and Heritage 2003). The Murray hardyhead is considered to be a
specialist, that is, it prefers still habitats such as wetlands. It is found on the Lake Albert side of the
Waltowa wetland culvert. It is therefore highly likely that this specialist will migrate into Waltowa
wetland and take advantage of the increased habitat availability (Wedderburn 2005). Consideration
should therefore be given to this specialist and its habitat requirement in the development and
maintenance of management strategies for Waltowa wetland.
The only fish recorded by Thompson (1986) was the Mitchellian freshwater hardyhead
Craterocephalus stercusmuscarum.
Table 7: Native fish
Abundance Abundance Status
Common Name Scientific Name Lake Albert Waltowa SA Australia
30/04/03
Common galaxias Galaxias maculatus 579 30
Australian smelt Retropinna semoni 286
Bony herring Nematalosa erebi 30
Smallmouthed Atherinosoma 189
hardyhead microstoma
Flyspecked Craterocephalus 3 R
hardyhead stercusmuscarum
fulvus
Murray hardyhead Craterocephalus 5 5 E V
fluviatilis
Flathead Gudgeon Philypnodon 90
grandiceps
Dwarf Flathead Philypnodon sp. 2 R
Gudgeon
Lagoon Goby Tasmanogobius lasti 239
20
Tamar River goby Afurcagobius 2
tamarensis
Western blue spot Pseudogobius olorum 251 3
goby
Congolli Pseudaphritis urvillii 2 R
Golden Perch Macquaria ambigua 1
Number of Species 13 3
R = Rare (taxon in decline or naturally limited presence), V = Vulnerable (high risk of extinction in wild), E =
Endangered (very high risk of extinction in wild) ("Epbc Act" 1999; National Parks and Wildlife Council and
Department for Environment and Heritage 2003)
Table 8: Introduced fish
Abundance Abundance Status
Common Name Scientific Name Lake Albert Waltowa SA Australia
30/04/03
Gambusia Gambusia holbrooki 71 16
Goldfish Carassius auratus 4
Common Carp Cyprinus carpio 36 1
Redfin Perca fluviatilis 128
Number of Species 4 2
(iv) Macroinvertebrates
The River Murray Wetlands Baseline Survey (SKM 2004) monitored macroinvertebrates at
Waltowa at one sample date only. On this sample date 21 taxa were found with a total of 835
individuals. The taxa found indicate slightly saline conditions.
The Macroinvertebrates recorded in Waltowa wetland during the River Murray Wetlands Baseline
Survey (SKM 2004), collection date 06/12/2003; can be found in Appendix F Section F.02(b) as
well as those identified by Thompson (1986). For a description of the function of
Macroinvertebrates in wetlands refer to Your Wetland: Supporting Information (Tucker et al. 2003).
During surveys of macroinvertebrates and water quality in the early 1990‟s the wetland was found
to be very saline (Goonan 2005). The report published at that time will be discussed in detail in a
future appendix to this WMP.
(v) Implications for management

To manage the wetland with an aim of increasing bird habitat availability, the diversity must be
increased and maintained. The establishment of open water, shoreline and wet mud flats being some
of the habitats desired. With the establishment of more diverse and healthy aquatic habitats, the
abundance of frogs within Waltowa wetland itself should potentially also increase although this is a
secondary consideration for Waltowa wetland. It is anticipated that the saline wetland will not
adversely affect the Murray hardyhead (Craterocephalus fluviatilis), the inundated wetland should
therefore provide added habitat and therefore be beneficial to its population numbers (Wedderburn
2005).
21
Chapter 3. SOCIAL ECONOMIC AND CULTURAL VALUES

Waltowa wetland is a culturally significant area for the Ngarrindjeri community. The summary of
the cultural significance as described by Ngarrindjeri elders Tom Trevorrow (Chairperson
Ngarrindjeri Heritage Committee) and Matt Rigney (Chairperson Ngarrindjeri Native Title
Committee) (2005), which is detailed below, discusses some of the significant cultural aspects of
the Waltowa wetland area.
Until its relatively recent degradation, which began in the 1960‟s, Waltowa wetland was a very
important area to the Ngarrindjeri and was used extensively for the collection of food and other
resources.
Waltowa wetland was traditionally one of the favoured areas for the collection of swan eggs. The
fringes and islands of the wetlands, which are now low degraded samphire, where once areas of
dense tall reeds where swans eggs could be sustainably collected in very large numbers. Tom
Trevorrow recalls collecting swan eggs right through to the backcountry (i.e. the east side of the
wetland) as a young person in the 1960‟s.
Other fauna of particular significance to the Ngarrindjeri that were common in Waltowa included
the long-necked tortoise Chelodina longicollis, whose eggs were also harvested for food, the yabby
Cheerax destructor, and numerous species of bird. The wetland was also considered a nursery for
native fish including the catfish Tandanus tandanus and the yellow-belly (golden perch) Macquaria
ambigua.
The vegetation that existed in the Waltowa wetland prior to its degradation was also very important
to the Ngarrindjeri community. Cyperus gymnocaulos was very common in the area and was used
by Ngarrindjeri women for basket weaving. This important tradition is still practiced and the
degradation of Waltowa represents a significant loss of this important cultural resource.
Other vegetation of significance that has been lost from the wetland includes the freshwater aquatic
weed locally known as swan weed. This was important for swan habitat and the roots also formed
an important food source for people.
The restoration of the wetland is of great importance to the Ngarrindjeri. Re-instating its traditional
semi-permanent freshwater state and the revegetation with local plant species are seen as priorities.
The ecological and cultural importance of Waltowa wetland was highlighted in the Ngarrindjeri
Perspectives paper that was developed during the preparation of the Ramsar Management Plan in
2000.
The site has also been specifically identified and discussed as extremely important by Matt Rigney
as a representative on the Community Reference Panel of the Murray Darling Basin Commission.
Matt Rigney is also the chair of MLDRIN (Murray and Lower Darling River Indigenous Nations) a
consortium of the 14 Lower Murray Darling Nations, this group has also identified Waltowa as a
priority wetland for the provision of environmental and cultural water flows.
In conclusion, Waltowa wetland is a highly significant area for the Ngarrindjeri community and
they are very supportive of its restoration. The Ngarrindjeri community is also very interested in
further documenting the significance of the wetland and in being actively involved in the on-going
management of the area.
1. Ngarrindjeri recommend that environmental/cultural waters be allowed to enter the Waltowa
area again to allow rejuvenation of this once important wetlands/nursery.
2. Ngarrindjeri recommend that native revegetation take place in the Waltowa wetland area.
3. Ngarrindjeri needs to be a party to the management/restoration of the Waltowa wetland area.
22
Chapter 4. LAND TENURE, JURISDICTION AND

MANAGEMENT ARRANGEMENTS
SECTION 4.01 LAND TENURE
There are multiple properties, which encompass Waltowa wetland. Most of these properties are
freehold. The main wetland body and some properties at the west end of Waltowa wetland are
crown leasehold. The property boundaries and the ownership details can be seen in Map 4 on page
24 and Table 10 on page 25.
SECTION 4.02 LAND AND WATER USE

The main land use in the surrounding area is cattle grazing. In the past parts of Waltowa wetland
was open to stock access. Most of the wetland is now fenced off to exclude all stock. See Map 5 on
page 26 for fence locations. North of the Wetland is irrigated pasture which was fenced off early to
exclude stock from the reed beds present at that time (see Section 1.01(a) on page 2).
SECTION 4.03 JURISDICTION AND MANAGEMENT AUTHORITY

The Coorong District council and the Coorong District LAP will be responsible for the management
of the wetland in consultation with the landholders. Transport SA is responsible for the culvert
through the Princes Highway.
Contact persons for Waltowa wetland management will be Coorong District LAP Officers, Wetland
Management Planning Officer or RMCWMB Wetland Project Officer, see Table 9 below for
contact details. Access to the wetland will need to be arranged through consultation with the
relevant landowner.
Table 9: Waltowa wetland responsible positions contact details
Position Present Phone
Officers Organisation Mailing Address number
Coorong Graham Coorong District LAP PO Box 1021 Tintinara SA 5266 (08)
District LAP Gates 8757 2100
Project Officer
Coorong Lesley Coorong District LAP PO Box 1021 Tintinara SA 5266 (08)
District LAP Cameron 8757 2100
Implementation
Officer
Wetland Tumi Lower LAPS Mt. Lofty Ranges Mount SA 5251 (08)
Management Bjornsson Catchment Centre Barker 8391 7515
Upper Level, Cnr
Planning Mann and Walker St's
Officer
Wetland Adrienne RMCWMB PO Box 2056 Murray SA 5253 (08)
Project Officer, Frears Bridge 8232 6753
Lower Murray
23
Map 4: Cadastral boundaries covering Waltowa wetland and surrounds.
24
Table 10: Land Tenure
TITLE ID CT5606/88 CT5624/69 CT5645/355 CT5443/179 CT5553/679 CT5485/9 CT5364/222 CT5364/672 CT5363/856 CT5219/390 CL1303/48 CL1303/49 CL828 /27 CL828 /26
AREA 429430 1205372 526998.1 952520.4 2030293 2428462 368096.7 591474.1 1077788 114615.1 1565268 63158.64 1532555 1629615
PERIMETER 3126.41 4392.56 2975.93 4055.07 5800.6 6470.42 2443.79 3116.79 4449.21 1947.62 6999.62 1039.2 5462.87 5169.18
LOT VALUE 346 C 244 159 91 203 298 297 G 360 353 64 186 185
DCDB ID H750300 H750300 H750300 H750300 F212818 H750300 H750300 H750300 H750300 H750300 H750300 H750300 H750300 H750300
S346 BC S244 S159 A91 S203 S298 S297 SG S360 S353 S64 S186 S185
TITLE ESTA FEE FEE FEE FEE FEE FEE FEE FEE FEE FEE CROWN CROWN CROWN CROWN
SIMPLE SIMPLE SIMPLE SIMPLE SIMPLE SIMPLE SIMPLE SIMPLE SIMPLE SIMPLE LEASEHOL LEASEHOL LEASEHOL LEASEHOL
ENTIRETY ENTIRETY ENTIRETY ENTIRETY ENTIRETY ENTIRETY ENTIRETY ENTIRETY ENTIRETY ENTIRETY D D D D
LEASE OP OP OP OP
TYPE
LEASE 3008 7955 15288 15287
NUMB
LAND 9230 9240 9240 9210 9230 9230 4920 4920 9240 9210 9250 9250 4920 9230
USE_C
OWNERSHIP 6054894 2449928 2449928 4410111 1755958 5265876 10612035 10612035 10612035 70361100 70361100 70361100 10612035 1755958
OWNERS_ABB P W*FIEBIG JB&P JB&P D M W N&J N&J A R* N & J GEMLAKE GEMLAKE GEMLAKE N&J JB&P
C*MCCLUR C*MCCLUR D*WRIGHT O‟DWYERr D*WRIGHT BIDDLE BIDDLE BIDDLE PTY LTD PTY LTD PTY LTD BIDDLE C*MCCLUR
E E E
AREA_ 0 119.7 0 94.42 200.1 246 36.6 58.27 107.2 0 155.8 0 153.4 164.3
TITL
RURAL_PROP HD HD HD HD HD HD HD HD HD HD HD HD HD HD
BONNEY BONNEY MALCOLM BONNEY BONNEY BONNEY BONNEY BONNEY BONNEY BONNEY BONNEY BONNEY BONNEY BONNEY
SEC 299 SECS 242 SECS SEC 159 SECS 157 SECS 52 SEC 298 SEC 297 SEC G SECS 356 SECS 7-10 SECS 7-10 SEC 186 SECS 157
346 243 244 245 136/138 158 185 LT 203 290 357 358 359 19 32-35 43 19 32-35 43 158 185 LT
C 140/168 91 F212913 360 58 63-69 58 63-69 91 F212913
170/194 240 LT 91 127 133-136 127 133-136 LT 91
LT 1 D51266 F212818 148-150 J 148-150 J F212818
PCS 4-5 LTS 31 32 LTS 31 32
F218550 33 F217969 33 F217969
25
Map 5: Waltowa Stock Fences

26
Chapter 5. THREATS AND POTENTIAL SOLUTIONS TO

WALTOWA WETLAND
There are a number of existing and potential threats to Waltowa wetland, some of which have
become apparent in the description of the wetland and available data in the chapters above. The
identification of these threats is essential for appropriate adaptive management of the wetland. Their
early recognition allows for an appropriate monitoring strategy for early identification of adverse
impacts of management and therefore rapid response through altered management.
The major current threat to the wetland is the long-term lack of inundation, leading to a loss of
biodiversity such as riparian vegetation dieback and complete loss of aquatic vegetation. Other
impacts to the wetland, due to a lack of inundation, include the saline groundwater intrusion leading
to salinisation of the wetland soil (saltpan). This „source‟ threat, a lack of inundation, is being
addressed by this management plan. However, the altered management of a wetland will in itself
bring with it potential threats that need to be identified, these and others identified so far have been
listed in Table 11 on page 28.
The most immediate threat, as a result of the proposed wetland restoration management, i.e. the
change in wetland inundation, is the effect on groundwater flow direction. That is, the wetland
inundation is encumbered with the potential threat of saline groundwater intrusion to the adjacent
irrigation area. The change in flow direction of the groundwater could be a rapid one due to the
sandy soils in the wetland area. However, this threat is not fully understood, which complicates the
development of an appropriate hydrology management strategy. The awareness of this potential
threat is therefore central to future management actions and monitoring set out in this Wetland
Management Plan.
One threat recently identified in the wetland area is the invasive weed Sharp rush Juncus acutus
Figure 20 and Figure 21. It should be included in future weed removal strategies as part of the
wetland surrounding area restoration work.
Figure 20: Juncus acutus Figure 21: Juncus acutus (detail)
27
Table 11: Existing and prospective threats to Waltowa wetland
THREATS SYMPTOM CAUSE IMPACT CATEGORY EXTENT (IF POTENTIAL SOLUTION
KNOWN)
Altered hydrology Dry wetland Causeway over wetland inlet Dieback of native vegetation Regional & Local Wetland proper and Addressed in this Management Plan
with a closed flow control (Aquatic and riparian) Local management fringing low lying Introduce “natural” water regime
Existing
structure Loss of habitat variability for response areas

Fauna (Birds, Fish, Frogs, (Regional cause,
Turtles, Macroinvertebrates) river and lake
regulation)
Raising Saline Change in Hydrostatic pressure from Rising of saline groundwater Regional & Local Irrigation area to the Monitor groundwater around wetland
Groundwater groundwater levels wetland water on groundwater under irrigation areas. Local management north of the wetland. Respond to changing groundwater salinity
Particularly impact on (would indicate change in under and around wetland as a Degradation of the quality of response Possibly also to the and flow direction
Potential
Irrigation site flow direction) result of management irrigation area due to salinity. east, monitoring is May need to reduce wetland inundation to
Rapid change in groundwater included in the remove hydrostatic pressure. Options for
due to the sandy soil in the area WMP hydrological regime are presented in the
Operational Plan (on page 37)
Maximise water use efficiency of irrigation
(minimise recharge)
Salinisation of the wetland Increasing EC of Evapo-concentration Degradation of wetland water Local Wetland proper and Flushing not possible.
wetland water body Loss of wet phase quality fringing low lying Only potential is to close off wetland
Increasing salinity in Saline seepage from Degradation of wetland areas Re-evaluate options
wetland base/soil groundwater environments
No water license Degradation of habitat quality
Saltpan already present for native fish
Existing control structure Less native fish diversity
Existing
(closed)
ABIOTIC
Wetland maintained at a dry

phase for to long
Loss of freshwater lens (lack
of hydrostatic pressure)
Hydraulic pressure from lake
Albert and Irrigation area
(pushes saline groundwater
toward southern end of wetland)
Salt-slug escaping into Hypersaline water Flow out of wetland due to Potentially picked up by Local Irrigators that draw Monitor wetland salinity
Potential
Lake Albert wind irrigators water from Lake If this threat becomes an imminent one close
Albert. flow control structures whenever the wetland
does not require additional water
Poor Water Quality: Turbid wetland, loss of Bioturbation (Carp) Blocking of light penetration Local Wetland body Exclude large carp (this would minimise the
Turbidity macrophytes and Wind resuspension and therefore reducing (when wet) impact of the feeding behaviour of carp)
potential algal bloom macrophyte growth Restoration of macrophytes (macrophytes
Lack of macrophytes – less have been shown to increase sedimentation
nutrient uptake which become within wetlands and therefore reduce turbidity)
Potential
available to algae which are not Restoration of fringing vegetation (the

as impacted on by high riparian vegetation will act as a windbreak and
turbidities may therefore reduce wind induced
Algal blooms resuspension)
Degradation of habitat quality
for fauna (e.g.
macroinvertebrates, native fish
and birds)
28
THREATS SYMPTOM CAUSE IMPACT CATEGORY EXTENT (IF POTENTIAL SOLUTION

KNOWN)
Loss of aquatic vegetation Their absence Lack of water (inundation) Loss of habitat availability Local Wetland body Addressed in this Management Plan
Existing
Mismanagement of wetland and diversity Inundate wetland

hydrology Freshen wetland
Highly saline soils
Loss of native riparian No large trees in the Lack of water (inundation) Loss of habitat/breeding Local Surrounding area. Addressed in this Management Plan
vegetation area Weed infestation hollows (birds) Extensive. Inundate wetland
Existing
Degraded/dying Mismanagement of wetland Loss of snags in water body Revegetation option Revegetate
specimens hydrology Loss of windbreak for riparian area
Invasive species addressed in WMP.
present
Reduction of biodiversity Low species diversity Loss of natural variability of Extensive degradation of Local and Regional Wetland and Restore wetland
in comparison to inundation wetland ecosystem (Domino wetland influenced
historical/anecdotal Loss of native species (fish, effect on food chain) surrounding area
records riparian and aquatic vegetation) (the extent of the
Grazing – introduction of wetland area is still
weeds (introduction of seed, debatable).
Existing
aiding invasion)
Grazing – reduction of
biodiversity
Mismanagement of wetland
hydrology
Mismanagement of wetland
environment – in environmental
terms
Boxthorn Their presence Ability to grow in saline & dry Exotic species Local Northern section of Active removal - poisoning
environments Competition with native the wetland area in
Existing
BIOTIC
vegetation lignum
Loss of habitat (food source?) Muehlenbeckia
florulenta
shrublands.
Blackwater event Dark eutrophic water Inundation of samphire which Fish dieback Local Wetland water body Monitor water quality (O2 saturation)
O2 depletion breaks down to release high Stagnant dead wetland (when wet) Freshen with additional water
Potential
Fish death amount of nutrient Bad odour Oxygenate water
Invasive fish species Turbid wetlands Well known environmental Competition for habitat. Regional and local Wetland water body Active management of salinity to favour
(carp, gambusia, goldfish Reduction in native problem in region (large pest (domination of available habitat) (Managed locally) (when wet) native fish species
and redfin) fish diversity and population), introduced for Predation/aggressive If carp exclusion trials are successful in other
abundance various reasons including interaction on/with small and wetlands it could be considered for Waltowa
mosquito control, aquaculture young native fish Removal of large carp during dry phase
Potential
and aquarium industry (redfin/gambusia) Monitor abundance of invasive species with

(discarded specimens) Damage to aquatic vegetation comparative monitoring of abundance of native
Rapid breeding cycles (carp Decrease in water quality species
~2/year), live bearing (Turbidity increase)
(gambusia), unpalatable eggs
(redfin)
Predation on native fish
(redfin)
No habitat development Reduction/low Fish screens Loss of recruitment and grow Local Wetland water body Consider carp separation cages if necessary.
for larger native fish numbers of large native out habitat (when wet)
Potential
This threat may be minimal due to the

species fish Loss of potential increase in potentially high salinity content f the wetland.
abundance of large native fish
WMP = Wetland Management Plan
29
Chapter 6. MANAGEMENT OBJECTIVES

Based on the objectives presented in Section 1.02(c) on page 4 and the threats to the wetland
discussed in Chapter 5 on page 27, management objectives can now be developed in detail. The
objectives, including solutions, actions needed and priorities are detailed in Table 12 on page 31.
Adaptive management will drive the actions undertaken to achieve the objectives. Due to the
complexity of the groundwater wetland interactions and identified potential threats to the irrigation
area adjacent to the wetland (see Chapter 5 on page 27) the hydrological regime and therefore
detailed objectives will need to be flexible. A minor review of the objectives and the Wetland
Management Plan is recommended at the end of the first „experimental‟ inundation year. Depending
on the outcomes of the first review, a second minor review is recommended for the following year,
which should schedule a major review to follow within the following 3 years.
30
Table 12: Management objectives for Waltowa wetland.
MANAGEMENT OBJECTIVES SOLUTIONS ACTIONS QUANTIFIABLE MONITOR LEGISLATION PRIORITY
(Management (M) or /MEASURE OF (TIMING)
Engineering or ACHIEVEMENT
structural (ES))
Regeneration of wetland aquatic species Management of inundation/drying periods Open flow control Diversity of aquatic species Photo point WAP (water High
(Improved water plant communities) Manage water regime to trigger/induce aquatic and gates (ES) (Presence of Ruppia (Y) license) Covered by
riparian vegetation regeneration (Aim for key wetland Control hydraulic Megacarpa/Polycarpa and Vegetation this plan
Native
species) regime adaptively (see Lepilaena cylindrocarpa, survey (Y)

Section 7.02 on page Myriophyllum) Monitor
37) Maintain clear wetland water quality
(Turbidity NTU 80 for ~ 90% (M)
VEGETATION
of time)
Regeneration of riparian vegetation Manage water regime to restore vegetation Establish a water Recovery of 50% of standing Photo point WAP (water Medium
(woodland, sedgeland and herbland plant regime which included specimens (short term) (Y) license)
communities) flooding and draw down Re-establishment and Vegetation
Establish native re-vegetation projects (ES) survival of missing species (e.g. survey (Y)
Actively revegetate Melaleuca) Numbers based on
Native
using locally collected expert recommendation

seed
Removal of weeds from wetland area Establish weed removal projects in the wetland area Weed control as per Reduction of weeds (as per Vegetation N/A Low
Inva
sive
(Boxthorn, Sharp rush etc.) expert expert assessment) survey (Y)

recommendations
Restore native fish habitat Manage water regime to restore habitat values for Open flow control Presence of 3 native fish Fish survey WAP (water Medium
(Although the wetland water is anticipated to native fish and therefore enhance their breeding. Of gates (ES) species found outside of (Y) license)
be saline, one of the management objectives particular interest for Waltowa wetland is the Murray Control refilling wetland (see Table 7 on page EPBC Act
is the increase in native fish diversity. The hardyhead (see Section 2.04(b) on page 17)). speed to optimize for 20)
attempt will be made to provide a diverse Improved fish habitat through improved and more aquatic vegetation
habitat, however the high salinity may reduce diverse ecological niches, such as macrophytes germination and growth
Native
the number of native fish species able to

FISH
(emergent and submerged), snags (therefore need Maintenance of a

survive in this environment (wetland)) riparian vegetation) and open water. As well as more stable still water
food sources, biofilms etc. This would lead to an environment (Murray
increased diversity and abundance of small native fish, hardyhead prerequisite)
which are prayed upon by larger native fish. Both are Restore riparian
in turn prayed upon by waterbirds who also obtain a vegetation
more diverse habitat though the development of
aquatic and riparian vegetation
31
MANAGEMENT OBJECTIVES SOLUTIONS ACTIONS (MANAGEMENT (M) OR QUANTIFIABLE MONITOR LEGISLATION PRIORITY
ENGINEERING OR STRUCTURAL (ES)) /MEASURE OF (TIMING)
ACHIEVEMENT
Reduce threat of invasive Manage water regime to minimise If carp become a significant issue consider potential Low abundance of Fish survey (Y) Medium
Invasive
fish species invasion of exotic fish future instillation of carp exclusion cages invasive fish species in Observation
FISH
Manage wetland water regime to minimize turbidity wetland (Carp come to

and maintain aquatic vegetation (ES) surface)
Improved habitat for water Manage water regime to restore Restoration of wetland habitat and conditions for Increase in bird diversity Bird survey (1/2Y) High (Waltowa is a
Native/Migrator
birds (Waterfowl, waders habitat values for water birds and native fish species, migratory water birds, native water using wetland ( 10 Vegetation survey wetland in the
and shorebirds, etc.) therefore enhance their breeding birds and fringing species, and aquatic and riparian species) (Y) Ramsar area)
BIRDS
(where appropriate) (All habitat plant species. (See vegetation objectives & Section Increase bird numbers Observation
y
including open water) 7.02 on page 37) using wetland

Manage water regime to restore Restore hydrology regime Increase in habitat (open
habitat values for migratory bird water, mudflat and
species vegetation) diversity
Avoid/Minimise adverse Manage water regime to minimise Install new piezometers Ground water levels in Piezometer water High
impact of changed adverse impact of management Monitor ground water levels piezometers and assess level monitoring
GW
wetland management on strategy in irrigation area Adjust wetland water volume accordingly flow direction (8xW – M)
irrigation area
Reduce groundwater Develop freshwater lens under Inundate wetland for a long time period Monitor wetland salinity Monitor water Medium
impact on wetland wetland Establish hydrological regime based on best (no net increase over time quality (M)
knowledge of past wetland hydrology after inundation)
Monitor effect of restored hydrology and adapt Monitor soil salinity (no
GW
management accordingly net increase in soil salinity,

some reduction)
Salinity Manage water regime to minimise Keep structure open for as long as possible to allow for Fluctuation of water Monitor water Medium
MANAGEMENT
salinity impact of management maximum water exchange between lake and wetland salinity quality (M)
WQ
strategy, maximising the wetland

restoration
Turbidity Manage water regime to minimise Establish an occasional wetland dry phase (4~5 Visibly clear water Monitor water Low
turbidity of wetland water of yearly) if turbidity becomes excessive over a long time quality (M)
management strategy, maximising period Turbidity of wetland water
Observation
below 80 NTU for majority of
WQ
the wetland restoration

time (~90%)
Improve connectivity of Clear out flow paths into wetland Remove reeds from flow channel Clear distinct channel Photo point Development Act Medium
Stru
ctur
wetland with Lake Albert Clear channel of debris (and sediment if necessary) Observation Native Vegetation
al
Act
st
Avoid flooding of Construct secondary flow control
Can only be assessed and completed after 1 year As decided in WMP update ? Very Low
extended area (i.e. restrict (wetland could potentially not be filled
inundation trial
Volume/
flooding of eastern half of to 0.5. perhaps only to ¾ full.

Construction and operation of secondary flow control
Area
wetland) structure
Reassess management plan
WMP, Wetland Management Plan; GW, Ground Water; WQ, Water Quality; W, Weekly; M, Monthly; Y, Yearly
32
Chapter 7. IMPLEMENTATION OF PLAN

The most immediate threat to the off target surrounding environment as a consequence of an altered
wetland hydrology regime is the potential change in saline groundwater flow direction towards the
adjacent irrigation area or other surrounding lands, this threat is presented in Chapter 5 on page 27.
To address this threat and quickly be able to adapt a management response, a number of
recommendations have been made. To be able to monitor the effects of the inundation of the
wetland on the ground water Jolly and Holland (2005) recommended a cautious approach, with an
initially frequent monitoring program of groundwater levels in the area following wetland
inundation. The following are both the recommendations and a summary of „optimum‟ management
actions for the initial inundation year:
Clearing out of flow path between Lake Albert and the culvert.
Make/purchase flow control boards/planks for more effective management of water inflow
(if necessary).
Installation of piezometers linearly from existing well location WA4 and a further set
parallel, as well as two additional ones at the west end of the wetland. See Map 6 on page 35
for new piezometer locations (X1, X3, X5 and X6 installed on the 17th June 2005).
Survey new piezometers.
Monitoring of groundwater flow direction following inundation. Initially, weekly for 8
weeks of inundation followed by monthly.
Monitoring of groundwater salinity quarterly.
Monitor soil salinity both prior to and post wetland inundation.
Inundate wetland at 0.3m for the first year.
Depending on experiences of the first year inundation trials, inundate the wetland at 0.5m in
the second year for 4 months, wetting the riparian vegetation, followed by a slow draw
down to 0.3m, leaving mud flats as an extra bird habitat.
Depending on experiences of the first and second year, manage wetland hydrology to
promote the optimum vegetation restoration and habitat development (bird and fish).
SECTION 7.01 ON GROUND ACTION AND TIMETABLE

Table 14, on page 36, provides a timetable for the on ground works in Waltowa wetland area, prior
to inundation, during inundation as well as post inundation. The table does not address monitoring
which is discussed in Chapter 8 on page 46. The locations of the recommended new piezometers are
identified on Map 6 on page 35 and listed in Table 13 on page 34. A further 2 piezometers are to be
installed at the east end of the wetland, the locations of which will be determined by accessibility.
A log of all activities should be maintained. This log would assist in the review process of the
Wetland Management Plan discussed in Chapter 9 on page 48.
33
Table 13: New Photo points and Piezometer Locations

NAME EASTING NORTHING AMG Zone Datum Description Property
WALPP01 354127 6058408 54 WGS 84 At fence line on Fiebig

wetland edge, near old
lignum
WALPP02 353982 6057716 54 WGS 84 At fence corner near Biddles
end of revegetated
fence line
WALPP03 352877 6058181 54 WGS 84 Near wetland structure Council
off Princes Highway
X1 353846 6058503 54 WGS 84 Near wetland edge Fiebig
down from centre pivot
X2 353961.8 6058111 54
X3 353422 6058596 54 WGS 84 Inside fence on wetland Fiebig
edge towards highway
X4 353440 6058250 54
X5 353850 6058689 54 WGS 84 Fiebig
X6 353998 6057715 54 WGS 84 Inside fence on wetland Biddles
edge, at fence corner
near end of
revegetation strip
34
Map 6: Groundwater investigation sites within Waltowa wetland.

35
Table 14: Implementation plan for Waltowa wetland land based activities.
ACTIVITY PRIORITY RESOURCES TIMETABLE RESPONSIBILITY
Install permanent photo points High 2 persons 1 hrs Winter – Spring 2005 prior to flood RMCWM/LAP (Adrienne Frears, Tumi
Materials and tools (available) event (WAL01, WAL02 and WAL03 Bjornsson & John Boundy)
th
installed on the 17 June 2005)
Install new piezometers to High 2 persons 16 hrs Winter - Spring 2005 RMCWM/LAP (Adrienne Frears, Tumi
determine the change in Tools, hand auger, hack saw, Prior to flood event (X1, X3, X5 and Bjornsson & John Boundy)
th
groundwater flow direction GPS etc. (available) X6 installed on the 17 June 2005,
PRIOR TO WETLAND
(see next map) PVC pipe (8 x 3m), end caps X2, X4, X7 and X8 remain to be
etc. (available) installed)
INUNDATION
Survey new piezometers & High Dumpy level ASAP RMCWM/LAP (Adrienne Frears, Tumi
gauge board Bjornsson & John Boundy)
Install gauge board in wetland High Gauge board Winter - Spring 2005 RMCWM/LAP (Adrienne Frears, Tumi
1 person/ ~1hrs Prior to flood event Bjornsson & John Boundy)
Clear flow path of vegetation High 1 person/ ~2hrs Winter - Spring 2005 Transport SA/Council
between Lake Albert and Secateurs Prior to flooding
Waltowa wetland Waders
Create new flow control Low Heavy timber boards Only if required LAP
structures/boards to finetune
INUNDATION
flow rate into wetland

FLOODING)
(WETLAND
Inundate wetland High 1 person 15 minutes/day for time September Council

DURING
Less than 1cm/day (needs to that the wetland is being filled, or

maintain flow path clear) equivalent to ensure the slow filling
of the wetland.
Monitor GW flow direction High 1 person ½ hour/week First 8 weeks Contracted Person
Monitor GW flow direction High 1 person ½ hour/month Post first 8 weeks RMCWM/LAP
INUNDATION
AFTER
Maintain wetland volume High 1 person 15 minutes/week Continual as per HOP Coorong District Councill (John Boundy?)
(Monitoring of gauge boards
and operation of flow control
structure)
Removal of Box thorn Low Funding Asap LAP

APPROPRIAT
On grounds project
Revegetation of fringing Low Funding As appropriate for seed collection and LAP
AS
vegetation Seed collection revegetation works. Expert

recommendation. Community interest
if necessary (R. Williams)
HOP, Hydrology Operational Plan
36
SECTION 7.02 WETLAND WATER OPERATIONAL PLAN

The strongest tool in managing a wetland is the control of the wetland hydrology. Hydrology
controls the germination and growth of aquatic and riparian vegetation. The healthy vegetation and
appropriate inundation leads to the growth of biofilms, the vegetation and biofilms being a food
source for macroinvertebrates and small native fish. The vegetation and appropriate water regime
also provide a more diverse habitat for waterbirds and fish. The restoration of Waltowa wetland and
fulfilment of the major objectives, the restoration of a complex wetland ecosystem, is therefore
reliant upon the establishment of an appropriate water regime.
Waltowa wetland is presently dry due to the closure of the flow control structure in 2002. For a
short time (1999 to 2002) Waltowa wetland was operated as a temporary wetland. In the
management brief of 1999 (Jensen 1999) for the management of Waltowa wetland, Waltowa was
identified, by anecdotal evidence, to be (until early 1980‟s) a semi permanent wetland. Both this
anecdotal evidence and the habitat requirements of the „present‟ Murray hardyhead therefore
strongly support the attempt at restoring a semi permanent hydrological regime to Waltowa
wetland. However, prior to establishing a semi permanent hydrological regime to Waltowa wetland
and given the potential negative impact of groundwater salinity on the adjacent irrigation area, it
seems prudent to inundate the wetland initially at maximal 0.3m depth. The 0.3m is preferred to a
full 0.5m depth in the initial year so as to provide an option of a rapid draw down of wetland water.
This option will give managers the potential to quickly adapt to the change in groundwater levels
(flow direction), should the need arise.
As the wetland only receives water from Lake Albert when Lake Albert levels are at or above 0.6m
AHD it may not be possible to maintain this level within the wetland for the full year. The
suggested water levels are therefore a maximum or optimum desired level. The average maximum,
average minimum and median (Max. and Min) lake levels at Mundoo Barrage (Lake Alexandrina),
for dates when records were available (‟81*, ‟82, ‟83, ‟02, ‟03*, „04* (* full year data)), are
presented in Figure 22 below. It is anticipated that most of the water that enters the wetland will
evaporate within it, with only minor outflow during the times when the flow structure is open. TO
compare salinity levels between the wetland and Lake Albert refer to 0 Section 2.03(f)(i) on page
14.
A ve r ag e an d M e d ian lak e le ve ls in 1981*, 1982, 1983, 2002, 2003*, 2004* ( * f u ll ye ar d at a)
1.2
1
L ake L evel m A H D
0.8
0.6
0.4
0.2
0
Jan Feb Mar A pr May Jun Jul A ug Sep Oc t Nov Dec
Dat e
LA KE A LEXA NDRINA @ Mundoo Bar r age ( U/S) Lake Lev el ( m) Median
LA KE A LEXA NDRINA @ Mundoo Bar r age ( U/S) Lake Lev el ( m) Mean Max
LA KE A LEXA NDRINA @ Mundoo Bar r age ( U/S) Lake Lev el ( m) Mean Min
Figure 22: Lake levels Mean Max., Mean Min. and Median (Max. and Min.)
37
Provided no adverse impact was experienced in the initial year, the wetland inundation should be
increased to a maximal depth of 0.5m with similar monitoring frequencies in the second year of this
Wetland Management Plan, i.e. 2006. The wetland hydrology regime (management) options then
available are:
Option 1. Maintain the wetland at full (0.5m) for an extended period (given no adverse
impact is experienced).
Option 2. Maintain the wetland at full (0.5m) for a short period followed by a draw down to
0.3m.
Option 3. Maintain the wetland at 0.3m as in the initial experimental year.
Option 4. Adapt the wetland hydrology to groundwater response and irrigation periods.
A temporary water regime. No options for a temporary water regime are discussed in this
plan. A review of the impact experienced on groundwater, in the first trial year, is necessary
prior to the development of an appropriate temporary regime.
The options chosen will be based on the experience of the first year as well as the response
monitored during the second inundation year. The decision-making is assisted through the decision
protocols (Decision Support Framework (DSF)) for the adaptive management of Waltowa wetland,
which is described in Figure 23 on page 39.
The identified options of hydrological regime, which attempt to provide alternate water regimes
depending on threats to the wetland and surrounding environment, are shown in Figure 24 on page
40 and Figure 25 on page 41 to Figure 28 on page 44. These options are described below (on page
40) and in the Hydrological Operational Plan (HOP) (Table 15 on page 45). The HOP also includes
a basic assessment of the water volumes needed annually for each inundation option.
The electronic version of the DEM was not available; therefore to obtain the water volume required
at different wetland depths, a polynomial relationship was established between the depth of the
water in the wetland v‟s the area (both given in the SKM Baseline Survey data) and depth v‟s
volume. Equation 1 which was used to calculate the surface water area based on wetland depth, had
an R2 value of 0.9894. Equation 2, established to calculate the volume at a given depth, had an R2 of
0.9991. Evaporation estimate was calculated using Equation 3, and the total annual water
requirements using Equation 4. Monthly evaporation rates were calculated for each wetland
depth/volume option, therefore the different annual water requirements could be calculated based
on monthly hydrology regimes (see Figure 29 in Appendix G on page 67).
2
Equation 1: Area 6000000 depth 2000000 depth 101829
2
Equation 2: Volume 2502 . 8 depth 435 . 82 depth 25 . 572
Equation 3: PotentialE vaporation SurfaceAre a Evaporatio n Pr ecipitatio n
Equation 4: TotalAnnua lWater Re quirements Volume PotenialEv aporation
At the end of each inundation season (Decision Point 4 (DP4) in Figure 23 on page 39) a decision
should be made as to which hydrology regime option is to be followed, this would be as part of an
annual review of the Wetland Management Plan (WMP). An annual review of the WMP is essential
for best practice management and is therefore a prerequisite in the selection of management options.
38
SPRING
Fill or maintain volume of wetland
Ground Water Flow

Direction O.K. NO
SUMMER
(1) NO NO
DP1 Partial (1) Salinity in
Aquatic Riparian
NO
draw down irrigation area not Re-
Vegetation O.K. Partial Vegetation O.K.
altered due to vegetation
Emergent & draw down
NO NO wetland inundation
(2) (2) Submerged
Full draw to wetland and slow
down inundation refill
Continual Monitoring (weekly for first 8 weeks, monthly thereafter)
NO
AUTUMN
NO
(1) NO Wetland Turbidity
draw down irrigation area not Full draw O.K.
altered due to down
NO NO wetland inundation Dry Submerged
(2) (2) wetland Aquatic Species
Full draw to wetland 1
down inundation O.K.
NO
WINTER
(1) NO
draw down irrigation area not
altered due to
(2) (2)
Full draw to wetland
down inundation
SPRING (Next Year)
NO
(1) NO
draw down irrigation area not
altered due to Restart Management & Decision Process
(2) (2)
Full draw
down •Timing for full draw down is preferentially in late summer early autumn.
1
Drying of wetland should only be performed once submerged plants have flowered,
set seed &/or begin to deteriorate (see Your Wetland: Hydrology Guidelines)
Sensitive Criteria Criteria Action •Need to review Murray hardyhead requirements
•Decision to dry wetland should be in consultation with experts
DP = Decision Point NOTE: Wetland could dry out without management decisions being made due to a drop in Lake Levels
Figure 23: Decision Support Framework (DSF) for Waltowa wetland
39
(a) HYDROLOGY REGIME OPTIONS YEAR 1
As stated above the first year of inundation of Waltowa wetland will be restricted to a maximum of 0.3
meters depth, whilst monitoring is undertaken to understand the impact of inundation on the groundwater
in and around the wetland area. The planned first year water levels are therefore as seen in Figure 24
below.
W a lto w a W e tla n d H yd ro lo g y - Ye a r O n e (2005 - 2006)
60
50
W e tla nd de pth (c m )
40
30
20
10
0
0
10
12
14
16
18
20
22
24
26
28
30
32
34
36
38
40
42
44
46
48
50
W e e k s s inc e w e tla nd inunda tion
In u n d a tio n L e ve ls Mo n ito rin g D a te s
Figure 24: Water regime scenario for Waltowa wetland - Year 1
40
(b) HYDROLOGY REGIME OPTIONS YEAR 2
(i) Option 1
For option 1 the wetland would be maintained at a depth of 0.5m, the wetland should again be monitored
as rigorously as in the first year (see Figure 25 below). The potential benefits of this option include:
Large wetland area (possibly double the 0.3m inundation depth).
More open water, increased bird habitat.
Deeper wetland, increased habitat availability.
Wetting of larger riparian area, increase in bird habitat. Water reaches lignums further east in the
wetland.
Easier to maintain water in wetland, a deeper wetland has more volume to buffer evaporation
Potential problems include:
Increase potential to affect irrigation area, more hydrostatic pressure on groundwater, which may
cause/add to a change in groundwater flow direction.
Takes up more land in eastern part of wetland, which may not be available in the long term,
depends on grazing land use.
Greater/repeat chance of a blackwater event.
Significantly more water required.
W a lto w a W e tla n d H yd ro lo g y - Y e a r T w o (2 0 0 6 - 2 0 0 7 )
60
50
W etlan d d ep th (cm )
40
30
20
10
0
0
8
10
12
14
16
18
20
22
24
26
28
30
32
34
36
38
40
42
44
46
48
50
W e e k s s in c e w e tla n d in u n d a tio n
O p tio n 1 M o n ito rin g D a te s
Figure 25: Water regime scenario for Waltowa wetland - Year 2, Option 1
41
(ii) Option 2
For option 2 the wetland depth would be maintained at 0.3m for most periods, with a spring inundation of
0.5m (see Figure 26 below). The 0.5m wetland depth would inundate a larger area of the eastern end of
the wetland. The flood event would wet the surrounding riparian vegetation for 4 months as
recommended in Your Wetland: Hydrology Guidelines (Tucker et al. 2002), and leave mudflats as an
additional habitat for birds. This option would develop a permanent/semi-permanent wetland with varying
water levels and therefore a more diverse habitat.
The benefits of this option include:
Watering of riparian vegetation, leading to healthier vegetation (needs to be monitored for salinity
impact on soil and therefore riparian vegetation).
Expanding aquatic vegetation (reeds).
Provide mudflats as a habitat for birds.
Provide extra breeding areas for fish (the duration of the flooding should take fish requirements
into account).
Increasing salinity in wetland (more water inflow followed by evapoconcentration).
Increasing soil salinity (flooding of riparian area followed by evaporation which may contribute to
salt deposition on the soil depending on wetland water salinity).
Fluctuating groundwater flow direction, raising of groundwater under irrigation area.
W a lto w a W e tla n d H yd ro lo g y - Ye a r T w o (2006 - 2007)
60
50
W e tla nd de pth (c m )
40
30
20
10
0
0
10
12
14
16
18
20
22
24
26
28
30
32
34
36
38
40
42
44
46
48
50
O p tio n 2 A O p tio n 2 B Mo n ito rin g D a te s
42
(iii) Option 3
For option 3 the wetland would be maintained at a depth of 0.3m (see Figure 27 below). This option
would be chosen if the new hydrology regime raises the saline groundwater under the irrigation area, but
is still barely within acceptable levels. Through this option, the wetland still maintains some water,
although at a maximal potential impact to the irrigation. Potential advantages of this option include:
By then the impact of the wetland inundation at 0.3m would be known. Adaptive management can
therefore focus more clearly on other wetland issues.
Known operating strategy, i.e. maintenance of water levels.
There would be an established wetland boundary; land use in the surrounding area can then be
adapted accordingly.
First year of a two-year flowering/seed development cycle for submerged macrophytes can
continue unimpeded (see Your Wetland: Hydrology Guidelines (Tucker et al. 2002)) into its
second year.
Wetland would remain shallow.
No mudflat development.
Minimal watering of riparian vegetation, some riparian vegetation not being restored at all as the
water would not reach the „old‟ wetland boundary.
W a lto w a W e tla n d H yd ro lo g y - Ye a r T w o (2006 - 2007)
60
50
W e tla nd d e pth (c m )
40
30
20
10
0
10
12
14
16
18
20
22
24
26
28
30
32
34
36
38
40
42
44
46
48
50
0
O p tio n 3 Mo n ito rin g D a te s
43
(iv) Option 4
For option 4 the wetland would be flooded at 0.5m or 0.3m, depending on the groundwater experiences of
the first year. In summer prior to the irrigation period, the wetland would be drawn down to remove the
hydrological pressure on the groundwater and therefore alleviating the rise in saline groundwater under
the irrigation area (see Figure 28 below). The wetland water would therefore not compete, through the
groundwater, with the additional water from the irrigation inflow. The benefits of this option include:
Less hydrostatic pressure towards irrigation area. Therefore, minimal impact during the height of
summer when irrigation is at its maximum.
Inundated wetland with an alternating hydrology, increase in habitat as in option 2
(mudflats/temporary fish habitat for spawning)
Difficult to maintain water levels
Degradation of fish habitat
Potentially not deep enough for all waterbirds
Increased evaporation, as the wetland would be more susceptible to temperature changes, and
therefore evapoconcentration
If the impact on the irrigation area does not hinder wetland management, options 2A, 2B and 1 are the
preferred options (in order of preference), along with an adaptive management approach following the
Decision Support Framework (see Figure 23 on page 39) focussed towards the maximum achievement of
objectives.
W a lto w a W e tla n d H yd ro lo g y - Y e a r T w o (2 0 0 6 - 2 0 0 7 )
60
50
W etlan d d ep th (cm )
40
30
20
10
0
0
8
10
12
14
16
18
20
22
24
26
28
30
32
34
36
38
40
42
44
46
48
50
W e e k s s in c e w e tla n d in u n d a tio n
O p tio n 4 A 1 O p tio n 4 A 2 O p tio n 4 B 1 O p tio n 4 B 2 M o n ito rin g D a te s
44
Table 15: Hydrological Operational Plan for Waltowa Wetland and Water Allocation Requirements Depending on Options.
Option Option description Water Levels: Timing Triggers Area (ha) * Volume (ML) * Potential Evaporation Total Annual Water
Depth (ML) Requirement (GL)
(mAHD)
NA First Year. Experimental - the 0.3 September (2005) Degraded and dry wetland (water 104 116 1407 1.5
purpose of which is to monitor the license).
effect wetland inundation will have
on the adjacent irrigation area.
1 Second Year. Increase wetland 0.5 September (2006) Successful first year inundation (i.e. 240 429 3250 3.7
water levels to „Full‟ levels. not significant adverse effect to
irrigation area). Maximal water
body desired in wetland.
2 A Second Year. Increase wetland 0.5 (4 months)/ September (2006) Successful first year inundation (i.e. 240/104 429/116 2191 2.6
water levels to „Full‟ levels. 0.3 (8 months) December (2006) not significant adverse effect to
Maintain at this level to wet riparian irrigation area). Adverse effects
vegetation (4 months of flooding is begin to take effect at deeper
recommended in Your Wetland: wetland water levels.
Hydrology Guidelines (Tucker et al.
2002)3}). Wetland draw down to;
Minimise impact on ground
water flow towards Irrigation
area.
Develop mud flats as
additional bird habitat.
B Second Year. Same as 2A but with 0.5 (2 months)/ September (2006) Successful first year inundation (i.e. 240/104 429/116 1645 2.1
an earlier draw down. 0.3 (10 months) November (2006) not significant adverse effect to
irrigation area). Rapid and
significant adverse effects begin to
take effect at deeper wetland water
levels.
3 Second Year. Maintain at same 0.3 September (2006) Some impact on irrigation area 104 116 1407 1.51
levels as the initial trial year. (agreement with irrigator to
maintain current levels of
inundation).
4 A1 Second Year. Draw down wetland 0.5 (4 months)/ September (2006) Some impact on groundwater flow 240/54 429/34 1802 2.21
volume during Irrigation Period. 0.2 (8 months) December (2006) direction but acceptable until the
This may reduce impact on irrigation period.
groundwater flow direction and
therefore rising saline groundwater
under the irrigation area.
A2 Second Year. Same as 4A1 but 0.3 (4 months)/ September (2006) Maximal acceptable impact on 104/54 116/34 1018 1.11
with lower initial wetland depths. 0.2 (8 months) December (2006) groundwater flow direction in initial
trial year with the exception of the
irrigation period.
B1 Second Year. Same as 4A1 but 0.5 (2 months)/ September (2006) Depends on start of irrigation 240/54 429/34 1055 1.5
with an earlier draw down. 0.2 (10 months) November (2006) period.
B2 Second Year. Same as 4A2 but 0.3 (2 months)/ September (2006) Depends on start of irrigation 104/54 116/34 817 0.9
with an earlier draw down. 0.2 (10 months) November (2006) period.
* Note the area and volume calculations were based on data from the SKM baseline survey, which was assumed have an accuracy of 75%.
45
Chapter 8. MONITORING
For the development of a Wetland Management Plan, Waltowa wetland was included in the River
Murray Wetlands Baseline Survey (SKM 2004). The data collected during this survey provided a
basis by which objectives for the wetland management could be refined, initial hydrology
guidelines could be developed and review procedures scheduled. However this data did not cover
all the issues related to managing Waltowa wetland. Partly as a consequence, but also as part of
adaptive management and best practise wetland management, monitoring of the wetland has been
devised to answer some of the unknowns to the changed hydrological regime. That is, ongoing
monitoring during wetland management plays a role in adaptive management by providing
managers with information on how the wetland is responding to management strategies, whether the
objectives are being met, whether there are off-target implications (wetland in regional context) or
(as per Your Wetland: Monitoring Manual (Tucker 2004)) whether the Golden Rules are being
broken. The Golden Rules being:
Don‟t salinise your wetland.
Don‟t kill long lived vegetation.
Don‟t destroy threatened communities or habitats of threatened species.
To ensure that monitored data is available for evaluation, review and reporting, a log of all
activities, monitoring and site description should be maintained at an accessible and convenient
location. The data will ultimately be stored in the appropriate state government databases. See
report by Hydro Tasmania (2003).
The purpose of such a log is to maintain a record of management steps undertaken, their
justification and observed impacts/implications. The maintenance of a log is both good management
practice, allowing future reference to potential impacts of management, and a requirement of the
Wetland Water License. Refer to Your Wetland: Monitoring Manual (Tucker 2004) for examples of
data log sheets and further description of monitoring methods.
46
Table 16: Monitoring plan for Waltowa wetland.
Parameter Method Priority SEP OCT NOV DEC JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG Time Required Responsible
Extra bore 2 days- prior to first
HIGH
installation filling event 2 people
Groundwater
Level and
HIGH
Conductivity weekly weekly           half day 1 person
Water quality
monitoring (cond, HIGH
turb, temp) weekly weekly    half day 1 person
Surface Water
Surface level
(using gauge HIGH
boards)             0.5 hour 1 person
Seine net, dip net

Fish* (and fyke nets if HIGH
deep enough)   1 day 2-3 people
Photopoint 1 day- prior to first
HIGH
Installation filling event 2 people
Photopoint
HIGH
monitoring     2 hours 2 people
Vegetation **Mapping GPS
(weeds and MODERATE
lignum) 1 day 2 people
Quadrat/line
MODERATE
intercept    Set up- 2 days, 2 people
Frogs Recording Calls MODERATE 0.5 hour 1 person

 
half day (from
Birds MODERATE
Fixed area search  dawn) 1 person
Dip net survey 1 day (not
Macro-
LOW including
invertebrates
  identification) 1 person
*S. Wedderburn indicated interest in incorporating Waltowa wetland into his Ph.D. studies monitoring schedule. **Note- vegetation mapping was done in the 2004 wetlands baseline
survey project, yet did not define patches of dying lignum which need to be targeted in future mapping.
47
Chapter 9. EVALUATION, REVIEW AND REPORTING

SECTION 9.01 EVALUATION AND REVIEW
The review of the implications of changed management of Waltowa wetland needs to be an ongoing
process. For the Wetland Management Plan to be an adaptive and complete document, periodic
reviews have been scheduled in the monitoring and evaluation framework. As has been stated
above, the implications of inundating the wetland, and the consequent effect on the groundwater
flow direction from the irrigation area immediately adjacent to the wetland, are unknown.
Therefore, the initial inundation of the wetland needs to be a gradual process with frequent
monitoring of groundwater flow. For this purpose, additional piezometers need to be installed, an
action which has been addressed in this plan. The data obtained through monitoring need to be
regularly reviewed to respond to impacts of the management strategy. An annual review is also
necessary for management decision in the following year (2006-2007). That is, the wetland
management plan provides alternate scenarios for the management of the wetland in response to
findings of the wetland inundation in the first year. The decisions as to which water regime option
to follow should be made as part of this annual evaluation of monitored data and consequent review
of the Wetland Management Plan, as stated in Section 7.02 on page 37. A full review of the
Wetland Management Plan should be scheduled in 3 to 5 years.
For the annual review to be effective it needs to include an upgrade of, the:
Hydrological regime based on new knowledge and understanding.
Decision Support Framework based on experiences and monitoring.
Monitoring schedule to reflect changes in the Wetland Management Plan.
SECTION 9.02 REPORTING

The wetland management plan for Waltowa wetland is designed to be highly adaptive due to the
lack of knowledge of the potential impact of management. The options provided are a guide to the
water regime that is desired, as well as regimes that can be accepted in an attempt to fulfil the
objectives of this plan. As this plan does not rigorously set out the hydrology regime to be followed,
the options chosen need to be reported accurately to the Department of Water Land and
Biodiversity Conservation (DWLBC). The records noted in the activity and monitoring logs will
assist in reporting to DWLBC.
Further as part of the requirements of the water license, any substantial change in the wetland
management plan, e.g. objectives, monitoring timetable or hydrology regime change, also needs to
be reported to DWLBC. That includes the lack of use of licensed water, should Lake Albert levels
not be high enough to supply or maintain the planned wetland water levels.
48
Chapter 10. REFERENCES

Australian Treaty Series 1981 No 6 (Jamba) (1986). Accessed 16 June 2005,
http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/other/dfat/treaties/1981/6.html.
Australian Treaty Series 1988 No 22 (Camba) (1986). Accessed 16 June 2005,

http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/other/dfat/treties/1988/22.html.
Bjornsson, K. T., A. Brodie, et al. (2002). Riparian Areas and on-Farm Wetlands in the Australian
Sugar Industry. CRC for Sustainable Sugar Production. Townsville
Since most sugarcane production occurs on the floodplains of eastward draining river
systems along Australia's northeastern seaboard, management of riparian areas and on-farm
wetlands is an important challenge for the ecologically sustainable development of cane-
growing districts, and also ultimately for the health of coastal waters in the vicinity of the
Great Barrier Reef. Building on consultations with industry and other stakeholders, the
report reviews available recent information for these areas on ecological function,
rehabilitation techniques, and a range of planning and statutory devices to assist in melding
best-practice agricultural production with objectives for ecological sustainability. Industry
and stakeholder views on land management issues and key constraints are discussed, as are
options for improved management of riparian vegetation and wetlands on-farm and within
the farm business. The report also provides lists of recommended further reading. For a copy
of the report, send a request to Deborah Cavanagh, Communications Officer, CRC for
Sustainable Sugar Production – Deborah.Cavanagh@www-sugar.jcu.edu.au
BOM (2005). Climate Averages. Accessed 18 March 2005,

www.bom.gov.au/climate/averages/tables/cw_024518.shtml.
Coorong District LAP, Goolwa to Wellington LAP Board, et al. (1999). Coorong and Lower Lakes
Floodplain Rehabilitation. Progress report,
Coorong, and Lakes Alexandrina and Albert Ramsar Management Plan (2000). South Australian
Department for Environment and Heritage. Adelaide
Croucher, D. (2005). Personal Communication.
Dadd, D. (2005). Personal Communication. Contracted Ornithologist for the South Australian
Department for Environment and Heritage (Deh).
Department of Water Land and Biodiversity Conservation (2005). A4261057: Lake Albert @
Meningie Sailing Club Jetty - Daily Read. Accessed 3 August 2005,
http://www.dwlbc.sa.gov.au/subs/surface_water_archive/sites/a4261057/a4261057.htm.
Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act (1999).
Fiebig, P. (2005). Personal Communication. Landholder Waltowa Wetlands.
Gates, G. (2005). Personal Communication. Coorong District Lap.
Goonan, P. (2005). Personal Communication.

Phone discussion about the report Suter et. al. 1993
49
Gosbell, K. (2004). Waterbird Surveys around the Shoreline of Lake Alexandrina and Lake Albert
January 2003 to February 2004 in Response to a Drawdown in Water Levels. Department for
Environment and Heritage. Draft Report 14-4-04, South East Region, South Australia
Hydro Tasmania (2003). River Murray Wetlands Data Management Project Final Report. River
Murray Catchment Water Management Board.
Jensen, A. (1999). Proposal for Improvement of Environmental Health of Waltowa Swamp: A

Report for the Coorong and Lower Lakes Floodplain Rehabilitation Project. Wetland Care
Australia. Berri, South Australia
Jensen, A., P. Paton, et al. (1996). Wetlands Atlas of the South Australian Murray Valley. South
Australian River Murray Wetlands Management Committee. South Australian Department of
Environment and Natural Resources. ADELAIDE
Jolly, I. and K. Holland (2005). Personal Communication. Senior Groundwater Scientist: Csiro.
McClure, B. (2005). Personal Communication. Landholder Waltowa Wetlands. Tatiara Station.
National Parks and Wildlife Council and Department for Environment and Heritage (2003). 2003
Review of the Status of Threatened Species in South Australia: Proposed Schedules under the South
Australian National Parks and Wildlife Act 1972. Government of South Australia. Discussion
Paper,
National Wetlands Program (1998). Ramsar Convention on Wetlands (Convention on Wetlands of

International Importance). Accessed 7 October 1999,
http://www.anca.gov.au/environm/wetlands/ramindex.html.
Peck, D. (2000). The Ramsar Convention on Wetlands: The Annotated Ramsar List: Australia.
Accessed 27 April 2005, http://www.ramsar.org/profiles_australia.htm.
Pressey, R. L. (1986). Wetlands of the River Murray. River Murray Commission.
River Murray Catchment Water Management Board (2002). Water Allocation Plan for the River
Murray Prescribed Watercourse. Government of South Australia. Berri, South Australia
River Murray Catchment Water Management Board and Department of Water Land and
Biodiversity Conservation (2003). Guidelines for Development of Wetland Management Plans for
the River Murray in South Australia.
Seaman, R. L. (2003). Coorong and Lower Lakes Habitat-Mapping Program., Department for
Environment and Heritage. Conservation Programs, South Australia
SKM (2004). River Murray Wetlands Baseline Survey. South Australian Murray Darling Basin
Natural Resources Management Board.
South Australian River Murray Wetlands Management Committee (1996). Management of

Wetlands of the River Murray Valley: Draft Action Plan 1996-1999. Wetlands Management
Program: Department of Environment and Natural Resources. Adelaide
Tesoriero, J. (2005). Personal Communication.
50
Thompson, M. B. (1986). River Murray Wetlands, Their Characteristics, Significance and
Management. Department of Environment and Planning and Nature Conservation Society of S.A.
Adelaide
Trevorrow, T. and M. Rigney (2005). Personal Communication. Ngarrindjeri Elder.
Tucker, P. (2004). Your Wetland: Monitoring Manual - Data Collection. River Murray Catchment
Water Management Board, Australian Landscape Trust. Renmark SA
Tucker, P., S. Dominelli, et al. (2003). Your Wetland: Supporting Information. Australian
Landscape Trust. Renmark SA
Tucker, P., M. Harper, et al. (2002). Your Wetland: Hydrology Guidelines. Australian Landscape
Trust. Renmark SA
Wedderburn, S. (2005). Personal Communication. Ph.D. Student: University of Adelaide.
Wedderburn, S. and M. Hammer (2003). The Lower Lakes Fish Inventory:Distribution and
Conservation of Freshwater Fishes of the Rasmar Convention Wetland at the Terminus of the
Murray Darling Basin, South Australia. Native Fish Australia (SA) Inc. Adelaide
Williams, G. and R. Williams (2005). Personal Communication. Landholder Waltowa Wetlands.
Wright, W. (2005). Personal Communication. Landholder Waltowa Wetlands.
51
Appendix A. Wetlands Atlas Data for Wetland Main Body

Table 17: Waltowa wetland, Wetland atlas data (Jensen et al. 1996)
Area 5723403.396
Perimeter 28198.50772
Wetlands_ 849
Wetlands_i 848
As2482 44190
Aus_wetlan S0027
Thom_wetla
Thom_chang Y
Wetland_na WALTOWA SWAMP
LAKE ALBERT FRINGING
Complex_na WETLAND
Cons_value 1
Mdbc_distn 2
PERMANENT/TEMPORARY
Water_regi COMBINATION
Internatio 1
National 1
Basin 1
Valley 1
High_conse 1
Moderate_c 0
Low_conser 0
Should_rea 1
Should_ass 0
52
Appendix B. Baseline Survey Locations (Source SKM (2004)
53
Appendix C. Baseline Survey DEM (Source SKM (2004)
54
Appendix D. Baseline Survey Groundwater Bore Logs & Flow

Direction
55
56
57
58
59
60
61
Appendix E. Baseline Survey Vegetation Zones
62
Appendix F. Species List for Waltowa Wetland

SECTION F.01 FLORA
This species list (Table 18) has been derived from the River Murray Wetlands Baseline Survey
(SKM 2004).
Table 18: Plant Associations at Waltowa wetland (adapted from River Murray Wetlands
Baseline Survey (SKM 2004))
Species Common Name Conservati Plant
on Rating Association *
Introduced
1 2 3
AUS
MU
SA
Atriplex semibaccata Berry Saltbush U X
Avena barbata Bearded Oat X X
Bromus diandrus Great Brome X X
Cirsium vulgare Spear Thistle X X
Cotula bipinnata Ferny Cotula X X
Critesion marinum Sea Barley-grass X X X X
Enchylaena tomentosa var. Ruby Saltbush X
tomentosa
Halosarcia pergranulata Black-seed Samphire X X X
ssp. pergranulata
Lolium rigidum Wimmera Rygrass X X
Lycium ferocissium African Boxthorn X X
Medicago polymorpha var. Burr-medic X X
polymorpha
Melilotus indica King Island Melilot X X
Muehlenbeckia florulenta Lignum R
Parapholis incurva Curly Ryegrass X X X
Polypogon monspeliensis Annual Beard-grass X X
Puccinellia stricta var. Australian Saltmarsh-grass X X
stricta
Sarcocornia quinqueflora Beaded Samphire X
Sclerolaena muricata var. Five-spine Bindyi X
R
villosa
Senecio runcinifolius X X
Soncus oleraceus Common Sow-thistle X X
Spergularia marina Salt Sand-spurrey X X
Total species 14 9 4
% introduced 71 56 25
63
* Plant association:
1. Muehlenbeckia florulenta Open Shrubland over Halosarcia pergranulata ssp. pergranulata
2. Halosarcia pergranulata ssp. pergranulata Closed Shrubland
3. Halosarcia pergranulata ssp. pergranulata Low Open Shrubland
SECTION F.02 WETLAND AND FLOODPLAIN FAUNA

(a) BIRDS OF WALTOWA SURROUNDS AND LOWER LAKES
Table 19: Water birds at 23 sites bordering Lakes Alexandrina and Albert (adapted from
(Gosbell 2004))
Number Number
WATERFOWL Observed WADERS Observed
Hoary Head Grebe 200 Latham's Snipe 0
Australasian Grebe 14 Black-tailed Godwit 1
Great Crested Grebe 990 Bar-tailed Godwit 0
Little Pied Cormorant 551 Godwit Spp. 0
Little Black Cormorant 3306 Little Curlew 0
Great Black Cormorant 20839 Whimbrel 0
Pied Cormorant 7736 Eastern Curlew 0
Black Faced Cormorant 77 Marsh Sandpiper 132
Australian Darter 64 Common Greenshank 173
Australian Pelican 9869 Wood Sandpiper 32
Little Egret 11 Terek Sandpiper 0
Intermediate Egret 36 Common Sandpiper 0
Great Egret 344 Grey-tailed Tattler 0
White Faced Heron 153 Wandering Tattler 0
Australasian Bittern 2 Great Knot 0
Royal Spoonbill 202 Red Knot 0
Yellow -billed Spoonbill 311 Knot spp. 0
Straw-necked Ibis 3250 Sanderling 0
Australian White Ibis 1114 Red-Necked Stint 5498
Glossy Ibis 256 Sharp-tailed Sandpiper 2533
Cape Barren Goose 1921 Curlew Sandpiper 195
Black swan 10011 Bush-stone Curlew 0
Australian Shelduck 26890 Beach-stone Curlew 0
Freckled Duck 716 Pied Oystercatcher 0
Wood Duck 127 Sooty Oystercatcher 0
Hardhead 941 Black-winged Stilt 1460
Pacific Black Duck 8520 Banded Stilt 345
Australasian Shoveler 1400 Red-necked Avocet 635
Grey Teal 28478 Pacific Golden Plover 3
Chestnut Teal 962 Grey Plover 0
Pink- eared Duck 921 Double-Banded Plover 152
64
Blue-billed Duck 0 Lesser Sand Plover 0
Musk Duck 6 Sand Plover Spp. 0
Spotless Crake 2 Oriental Plover 0
Australian Crake 3 Black-Fronted Dotterel 6
Baillon's Crake 0 Hooded Plover 0
Buff-banded Rail 0 Red-Kneed Dotterel 64
Eurasian Coot 64325 Banded Lapwing 49
Dusky Moorhen 7 Red-capped Plover 256
Purple Swamphen 1080 Masked Lapwing 2576
Blacktailed Native hen 2 Unidentified Large 0
Pacific Gull 0 Unidentified Meduim 0
Silver Gull 5155 Unidentified Small 192
Gull-billed Tern 7 Unidentified WaderSpecies 0
Crested Tern 1424 Other Wader Species 7
Caspian Tern 2001
Little Tern 164
Fairy Tern 6
Whiskered Tern 18704
TOTAL
WATERFOWL 223,165 TOTAL WADERS 14,945
TOTAL
WATERBIRDS 238,110
(b) MACROINVERTEBRATES
Macroinvertebrates collected at Waltowa as part of the River Murray Wetlands Baseline Survey
(SKM 2004) (table adapted from River Murray Wetlands Baseline Survey (SKM 2004))
Table 20: Macroinvertebrate taxa and abundance (SKM 2004)
Common Name Taxa (family level unless Abundance Functional Status
indicated otherwise) Feeder
Group
Turbellaria (Class) 1
Unsegmented worms Nematoda (Phylum) 5
Segmented worm Oligochaeta (Class) 271 Gatherer
Coiled snail Planorbidae 57 Scraper
Freshwater spiders Oribatida 3
Scuds, sideswimmers Ceinidae 156 Gatherer
Yabby Parastacidae 1 Gatherer
Janiridae 120
Odonata (Order) 1
Water boatmen Corixidae 41 Gatherer
Mesoveliidae 1
Small water strider Veliidae 14 Predator
Non-biting midges, Chironominae (Subfamily) 66 Gatherer
65
bloodworms
Mosquito Larvae Culicidae 2 Gatherer
Non-biting midges, bloodworm Orthocladiinae (Subfamily) 65 General
Psychodidae 8
Sciomyzidae 14
Soldier fly Stratiomyidae 5 Gatherer
Non-biting midges, Tanypodinae (Subfamily) 1 Predator
bloodworms
Diving beetle Dytiscidae 1 Predator
Scavenger water beetle Hydrophilidae 2 General
Total abundance 835
Total number of taxa 21
Signal2 2.71
Those recorded by Thompson (1986) include amphipods Ceinidae, ostracd\ods, calanoid copepods,
cladocerans Dapnia carinata sp., corixids Micronecta sp., notonectids Anisops sp., water beetles
Dytiscidae and larvae of Hydrophilidae, Oligochaetes, larvae of chironomids and damselflies
Lestidae.
(c) FROGS
Table 21: Frogs recorded at Waltowa (SKM 2004)
Common Scientific 16/12/03 29/01/04 12/03/04 02/09/04 Status
Name Name
Brown Litoria ewingi 2
Tree
Frog
Common Crinia signifera 3
Eastern
Froglet
Spotted Limnodynastes 1
Grass tasmaniensis
Frog
1 One
2 Few (2-9)
3 Many (10-50)
4 Lots (>50)
66
Appendix G. Water Allocation Requirement: Option Dependent
0 .6
0 .5
GL required per m onth
0 .4
0 .3
0 .2
0 .1
O p tio n 4 B 2
O p tio n 4 B 1
O p tio n 4 A 2
0 .0 O p tio n 4 A 1
O p tio n 2 B
Sep O ct O p tio n 2 A
Nov Dec O p tio n 3 & Y e a r 1
Jan Feb M ar Apr
O p tio n 1
M o n th M ay
Jun
Jul
Aug
O p tio n 1 O p tio n 3 & Y e a r 1 O p tio n 2 A O p tio n 2 B O p tio n 4 A 1 O p tio n 4 A 2 O p tio n 4 B 1 O p tio n 4 B 2

Figure 29: Water Allocation Requirement over a year for each hydrology regime option
67

Waltowa WMP 2005 Small

Caricato da

Informazioni sul documento

Copyright

Formati disponibili

Condividi questo documento

Condividi o incorpora il documento

Opzioni di condivisione

Hai trovato utile questo documento?

Questo contenuto è inappropriato?

Copyright:

Formati disponibili

Waltowa WMP 2005 Small

Caricato da

Copyright:

Formati disponibili

Waltowa Wetland

MANAGEMENT PLAN 2005

Written By: Kjartan Tumi Bjornsson

Coorong District LAP

© Coorong District Local Action Plan 2005

SECTION 1.01 ENVIRONMENTAL, SOCIAL AND CULTURAL SIGNIFICANCE OF

SECTION 1.02 WHY DOES WALTOWA WETLAND NEED A MANAGEMENT PLAN?

(i) Past Objectives

(ii) Present Objectives

Chapter 2. SITE DESCRIPTION OF WALTOWA WETLAND

Map 1: Waltowa Location

SECTION 2.02 SURVEY SITES, DATES & LOCATIONS

Map 2: Map of Wetland Complex (Waltowa Photo location (Wpp))

SECTION 2.03 PHYSICAL FEATURES

Figure 5: Photo Point 1 (Wpp1) Figure 6: Photo Point 1 (Wpp1)

Figure 7: Photo Point 2 (Wpp2) Figure 8: Photo Point 2 (Wpp2)

Figure 9: Photo Point 2 (Wpp2) Figure 10: Photo Point 2 (Wpp2)

(b) WALTOWA WETLAND IN PAST WET STATE

(c) GEOMORPHOLOGY, GEOLOGY AND SOILS

(i) Surface water

Map 3: Expected water movement within Waltowa wetland

Elevation of Bore Hole Ground Elevation Benchmark

(iii) Implications for management

SECTION 2.04 ECOLOGICAL FEATURES

(i) Implications for management

(v) Implications for management

Chapter 3. SOCIAL ECONOMIC AND CULTURAL VALUES

Chapter 4. LAND TENURE, JURISDICTION AND

SECTION 4.02 LAND AND WATER USE

SECTION 4.03 JURISDICTION AND MANAGEMENT AUTHORITY

Map 4: Cadastral boundaries covering Waltowa wetland and surrounds.

Map 5: Waltowa Stock Fences

Chapter 5. THREATS AND POTENTIAL SOLUTIONS TO

Figure 20: Juncus acutus Figure 21: Juncus acutus (detail)

structure Loss of habitat variability for response areas

Wetland maintained at a dry

available to algae which are not Restoration of fringing vegetation (the

THREATS SYMPTOM CAUSE IMPACT CATEGORY EXTENT (IF POTENTIAL SOLUTION

Mismanagement of wetland and diversity Inundate wetland

Fish death amount of nutrient Bad odour Oxygenate water

and aquarium industry (redfin/gambusia) Monitor abundance of invasive species with

This threat may be minimal due to the

WMP = Wetland Management Plan

Chapter 6. MANAGEMENT OBJECTIVES

species) regime adaptively (see Lepilaena cylindrocarpa, survey (Y)

using locally collected expert recommendation

(Boxthorn, Sharp rush etc.) expert expert assessment) survey (Y)

the number of native fish species able to

(emergent and submerged), snags (therefore need Maintenance of a

Manage wetland water regime to minimize turbidity wetland (Carp come to

including open water) 7.02 on page 37) using wetland

management accordingly net increase in soil salinity,

strategy, maximising the wetland

the wetland restoration

flooding of eastern half of to 0.5. perhaps only to ¾ full.

Chapter 7. IMPLEMENTATION OF PLAN

SECTION 7.01 ON GROUND ACTION AND TIMETABLE

Table 13: New Photo points and Piezometer Locations

WALPP01 354127 6058408 54 WGS 84 At fence line on Fiebig

Map 6: Groundwater investigation sites within Waltowa wetland.

flow rate into wetland

Inundate wetland High 1 person 15 minutes/day for time September Council

Less than 1cm/day (needs to that the wetland is being filled, or

Removal of Box thorn Low Funding Asap LAP

A ve r ag e an d M e d ian lak e le ve ls in 1981, 1982, 1983, 2002, 2003, 2004* ( * f u ll ye ar d at a)