Summary of the Regional Catchment Strategy for the Port Phillip ...

Summary of the Regional Catchment Strategy for the Port Phillip & Western Port region www.ppwrcs.vic.gov.au August 2015

Introduction This summary is a guide for users of the Port Phillip & Western Port Regional Catchment Strategy (RCS). The RCS is a website (www. ppwrcs.vic.gov.au) and this summary provides an overview of its content, structure and approach to strengthening the health and resilience of our region’s natural environment. The strategy: • defines a set of environmental assets that are the cornerstones of healthy and resilient ecosystems in this region, • assesses the current condition of the region’s environmental assets, • establishes targets for the future condition of the environmental assets, and • outlines which organisations will take lead roles to achieve the targets. Development of this RCS has been led by Port Phillip & Westernport CMA in collaboration with Victorian Government organisations and Councils of this region, and with input from many other organisations, community groups and individuals.

The Port Phillip & Western Port region

2

ppwrcs.vic.gov.au

The purpose of the RCS The Regional Catchment Strategy seeks to: • protect the environmental assets that are the cornerstones of healthy and resilient ecosystems in the Port Phillip & Western Port region - native vegetation, native animals, waterways and wetlands, the hinterland, coasts and the marine waters of Port Phillip Bay and Western Port, • gain agreement between Victorian Government organisations and Councils on targets for the future condition of the environmental assets, • identify and acknowledge organisations which provide leadership to attain the targets, • ensure the targets are specific, measurable, achievable, realistic and timebound (SMART) as the basis for monitoring, reporting and continual improvement, • foster collaboration and coordination between Victorian Government organisations, Councils and many other organisations, groups and communities involved in environmental management, • optimise the use of resources available for environmental works, and • connect local decision-making and action with region-scale planning.

The scope of the RCS Environmental strategy with economic and social benefits This RCS is an environmental strategy for the Port Phillip and Western Port region. It presents an environmental viewpoint. The RCS does not undertake economic or social planning, though it will inform and influence such planning because the health and resilience of environmental assets and ecosystems underpins many aspects of the region’s economy, production, amenity, social values and livability. Environmental assets - indicators of ecosystem health and resilience The RCS focuses on a set of environmental assets that are considered to be cornerstones of healthy and resilient ecosystems; • native vegetation

• native animals

• waterways and wetlands

• rural ‘hinterland’

• coasts

• Port Phillip Bay and Western Port

A focus on targets The RCS proposes specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, time-bound (SMART) targets for the future condition of the environmental assets. SMART targets are the foundation for: •

establishing a level of accountability

•

enabling meaningful monitoring and reporting, and

•

achieving continual improvement.

This strategy does not specify the actions that might be needed to achieve the targets, instead recognising that the planning and implementation of actions will be led and tailored by the organisations with the relevant expertise and responsibility. Main partners The RCS is designed to guide, influence and assist the planning and action undertaken by Victorian Government organisations closely involved in environmental management in this region, particularly the Department of Environment, Land, Water & Planning, Melbourne Water, Parks Victoria, the Environment Protection Authority, the PPWCMA, the Department of Economic Development, Jobs, Transport & Resources, the Metropolitan Planning Authority, the Central Coastal Board and the 38 Councils that are wholly or partly within the region. This strategy will also assist and guide many others undertaking local planning and action; Landcare groups, committees of management, ‘Friends of’ groups and individual landholders.

ppwrcs.vic.gov.au

3

Vision In 2030, people and organisations across the Port Phillip & Western Port region will be collaborating to protect and improve the extent, quality and diversity of its environmental assets. There will be shared leadership in decision making, action, monitoring, reporting and learning that ensures targets for all environmental assets are set and pursued to contribute to the natural ecosystems being healthy and resilient.

Objectives and priorities Native vegetation The objective is to retain high quality native vegetation in the region providing habitat for native species and making significant contributions to the overall environmental health and resilience of the region. The priorities are to: • permanently maintain the extent of numerous large and/or important patches of native vegetation and ensure they are managed primarily for conservation purposes • retain the collective quantity/quality of the other native vegetation across the landscape, and • focus major revegetation programs on particular areas that offer opportunities for major new ‘Nature Links’ to improve habitat extent, connectivity and resilience. Native animals The objective is to maintain the diversity of native animal species that still inhabit the region and ensure the populations are healthy and resilient. The priorities are to: • stabilise or improve the health of populations of a set of ‘indicator species’ as a reflection of stable health for many other native species that share their landscapes and threats, and • stabilise and improve the health of populations of species that are threatened with extinction. Waterways and wetlands The objective is to maintain and enhance the environmental values of waterways as indicated by the health and resilience of fish, frogs, platypus, birds, macroinvertebrates, vegetation and amenity. The priorities are to: • protect and improve riparian vegetation crucial to the environmental and social values of waterways • maintain and, where possible, improve the diversity and populations of native species in the region’s waterways, wetlands and estuaries • improve water quality in waterways, wetlands and estuaries and protect the quality of receiving waters in Port Phillip Bay and Western Port, and • protect and improve the features of waterways enjoyed for their aesthetic, landscape and cultural values and for active and passive recreation. Hinterland The objective is to retain extensive and healthy rural landscapes and open space around Melbourne that supports habitat for native species, productive and valuable agriculture, food security, clean air, carbon sequestration, water quality, social amenity values, cultural values and tourism. The priority is to retain, as much as is practicable, the extent of land zoned as green wedge, rural conservation, farm, rural living or some relevant special uses. Coasts The objective is to maintain, as much as is practicable, the environmental values of the coasts around the region. The priority is to at least maintain the current extent and quality of native vegetation in each of the 15 coastal zones that have been delineated in the region. Port Phillip Bay and Western Port The objective is to maintain the environmental health of the bays. The priority is to maintain the existing high quality of the marine water in each of the segments of the bays.

4

ppwrcs.vic.gov.au

ppwrcs.vic.gov.au

5

Achieving the vision for NATIVE VEGETATION Current condition of the region’s native vegetation Approximately 500,000 hectares of native vegetation remain in the Port Phillip and Western Port region. It covers about 39% of the region’s land area, and is fragmented into more than 33,000 individual patches. Nearly all the large patches are protected in public land such as parks and conservation reserves. This protected public land accounts for about one-third of the region’s remnant vegetation. Vegetation quality is also highest in conservation reserves. Quality is generally poorer on private land because of small patch size, loss of under-storey and weed invasion. Fragmented patches are vulnerable to continuing weed invasion and incremental damage. Population growth and associated development will cause continuing vegetation losses in some parts of the region. Targets and leadership for the region’s native vegetation Targets have been set with 11 organisations for the protection of ‘Permanent Native Vegetation’ and also for areas of ‘Other Native Vegetation’ across the region. Negotiations are ongoing to seek commitment to targets from other responsible land managers. The RCS sets targets that aim to maintain areas of ‘Permanent Native Vegetation’ that will make important contributions to the health and resilience of natural systems. An example of a target and statement of commitment for ‘Permanent Native Vegetation’ in the Strategy is: Council area

Total area of patches (Ha)

No. of Target patches

Manningham

4,552

54

Maintain the extent and improve the quality of native vegetation in each reserve through to 2030.

Statement of commitment The Manningham City Council considers this target important and achievable. It is intent on and will contribute to its attainment. Manningham City Council recognises that collaboration and coordination amongst numerous organisations is required to achieve this target and will play a lead role by generating and fostering the necessary partnerships. Joe Carbone Chief Executive Officer, April 2013

The RCS also sets targets that aim to achieve no net loss in the quantity/quality of ‘Other Native Vegetation’ across the landscape locally wherever possible. An example of a target and statement of commitment for ‘Other Native Vegetation’ in the Strategy is:

Council area

Approximate Total area (Hectares))

Whittlesea 11,291

Approximate proportion of Council Target area with Other Native Vegetation (%) 31%

No net loss is achieved whenever any of the existing ‘other native vegetation’ in the City of Whittlesea Council area is cleared.

Statement of commitment

The City of Whittlesea recognises that collaboration and coordination amongst numerous organisations and individuals is required to meet the target. It will play a lead role by generating and fostering the necessary partnerships. As both the Planning Authority and a Responsible Authority under the Planning and Environment Act 1987, the City of Whittlesea will work with State Government, developers and other relevant stakeholders to identify opportunities to achieve net gain by avoiding, minimising or offsetting the clearance of native vegetation. It will also work with private land managers to promote sustainable land management practices across the municipality. David Turnbull, Chief Executive Officer, September 2013.

6

ppwrcs.vic.gov.au

This strategy also identifies ‘Potential Nature Links’ - parts of the landscape considered to offer major, realistic and highly-valuable opportunities for creating large-scale vegetation corridors and improving landscape connectivity. Pressures on the region’s native vegetation The RCS identifies and details five main pressures faced by the region’s native vegetation: clearing for development and incremental damage as population grows; invasive weeds and diseases; changed fire regimes and frequency; climate change and sea-level rise; and incremental damage from various abuses such as illegal clearing, vandalism, rubbish dumping and informal vehicle tracks. Monitoring and reporting on the region’s native vegetation The Department of Environment, Land, Water & Planning will collect and manage data that enables assessment of progress towards the native vegetation targets. This will require some modeling of extent and quality derived from remote sensing. On-ground survey may be needed to verify modeled data. Clearing applications and approvals held by Councils will be used as additional sources of data to identify losses in vegetation extent. The condition of the region’s native vegetation will be reported as part of a ‘catchment condition’ report produced by the Port Phillip & Westernport Catchment Management Authority.

ppwrcs.vic.gov.au

7

Achieving the vision for NATIVE ANIMALS Current condition of the region’s native animals This region has been home to at least 525 species of native fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals. Today, there are estimated to be 427 native species still surviving here (about 81% of those recorded here), though a number of species exist in small, isolated populations that may not be sustainable. Native animals and their habitats are connected in many ways. Every animal species supports the abundance or health of others. Loss of species threatens the health and resilience of ecosystems and their capacity to be productive and beneficial. Targets and leadership for the region’s native animals The targets set by this strategy aim to: • maintain the diversity of native animal species that still inhabit the region, and • stabilise or improve the health of populations of selected ‘indicator species’ predicted to reflect the health of other animals sharing their landscapes and threats. Species retention is not evenly spread. For example, the Bass Coast, South Gippsland & Islands area has retained 59% of the species known to have existed there, while 73% of species are estimated to persist in the Urban Melbourne area. Preventing further local extinctions will be difficult. Immediate action may not stop more species sliding into local extinction as a legacy of past habitat and population losses. Knowing the diversity of native species is important but it does not provide the whole picture. This strategy also assesses the population health of selected ‘indicator’ species. This will help to predict whether overall diversity is likely to be maintained. The Department of Environment, Land, Water & Planning has taken a leadership role in achieving the vision for native animals. An example of a target and statement of commitment for the ‘Diversity of native animals’ in the Strategy is: Area

Targets


Moorabool, Melton, Wyndham and Greater Geelong

The existing diversity of native fish species (15), amphibian species (11), reptile species (16), bird species (255) and mammal species (22) assessed as likely to persist in the Moorabool Melton, Wyndham & Greater Geelong area to 2030.

The Department of Environment, Land, Water & Planning (DELWP) considers these targets important and achievable. DELWP recognises collaboration and coordination are important for attaining these targets and will play a lead role by fostering partnerships to help achieve them. Consistent with priorities and available resources, DELWP will take a lead role in areas such as research, policy development, public land planning and on-ground work. DELWP will collect and contribute data to help monitor progress towards these targets. Travis Dowling Regional Director, Port Phillip Region, April 2014

An example of a target and statement of commitment for ‘indicator species’ in the Strategy is: Indicator species

Targets


Swamp Skink

The health of Swamp Skink populations to be stable or improving by 2030.

The Department of Environment, Land, Water & Planning (DELWP) considers these targets important and achievable. DELWP recognises collaboration and coordination are important for attaining these targets and will play a lead role by fostering partnerships to help achieve them. Consistent with priorities and available resources, DELWP will take a lead role in areas such as research, policy development, public land planning and on-ground work. DELWP will collect and contribute data to help monitor progress towards these targets. Travis Dowling Regional Director, Port Phillip Region, April 2014

8

ppwrcs.vic.gov.au

Pressures on the region’s native animals The Strategy identifies the main pressures on the populations of native animals in the region including: •

Habitat loss and decline

• Predators and competition

•

Fire regimes

• Climate change

•

Extinction debt.

These pressures are now well-established in the Port Phillip & Western Port region and ongoing control is critical but expensive, and will need to be carefully targeted to maximise potential benefits. Monitoring and reporting on the region’s native animals Data from various information sources will be used to assess the diversity of native animal species. Data includes the species name and the date and location of the sighting. Information sources include the Atlas of Victorian Wildlife, Melbourne Water Frog Census data, Melbourne Water Fish Census data and the Atlas of Australian Birds. The Department of Environment, Land, Water & Planning (DELWP) will source empirical data and expert opinion for the Bayesian Belief Threatened Species Network Models. Ongoing data collection will be important to maximise the accuracy and dependability of the models. The models are expected to be updated and improved as new information and knowledge is collected. DELWP and the PPWCMA will use the data to re-assess the population health of indicator species. Native animals will be reported on as part of a ‘catchment condition’ report produced by the Port Phillip & Westernport Catchment Management Authority.

ppwrcs.vic.gov.au

9

Achieving the vision for WATERWAYS & WETLANDS Current condition of the region’s waterways & wetlands There are over 8,400km of major rivers and creeks and more than 900 wetlands in the Port Phillip and Western Port region. To achieve its regional vision for the environmental condition of these assets, the Regional Catchment Strategy mirrors the Healthy Waterways Strategy (HWS) released by Melbourne Water in 2013. The HWS articulates a suite of expected outcomes in 20 years’ time for key waterways values – fish, frogs, platypus, birds, micro invertebrates, vegetation and amenity – which would result from meeting five-year implementation plan targets. The condition of waterways and wetlands in the region has been assessed within 14 waterways systems. Across the region condition is greatest in the forested upper catchments and declines significantly once the waterways pass through agricultural and then urban landscapes. Waterways in the poorest condition most often occur where the natural rivers, streams and creeks have been modified into channels and drains. Targets and leadership for the region’s waterways & wetlands Expected outcomes have been set for the 14 catchment systems. In general they aim to: • maintain and, where possible, improve the diversity and populations of native species in the region’s waterways, wetlands and estuaries • improve water quality in waterways, wetlands and estuaries and protect the quality of receiving waters in Port Phillip Bay and Western Port, and • protect and improve the features of waterways enjoyed for their aesthetic, landscape and cultural values and for active and passive recreation. In the Healthy Waterways Strategy and the RCS, (20-year) expected outcomes, and longer term (100-year) targets are designated for each of the seven waterway values in each of the 14 waterway systems. An example of a target and statement of commitment for ‘waterways & wetlands’ in the Strategy is:

Expected outcomes for the Werribee and Little River middle and upper systems Key value

Trend

Condition

20 year

Long term

Platypus

Declining

Very low

Very low

Moderate

Statement of commitment Melbourne Water considers these expected outcomes to be important and achievable. Melbourne Water is committed to improving waterway health in line with the Healthy Waterways Strategy and the Regional Catchment Strategy. Melbourne Water will collaborate with partners, stakeholders and customers on achieving implementation targets that contribute to the expected outcomes, and will play a lead role by generating and fostering the necessary partnerships. Melbourne Water will also lead by ensuring monitoring efforts are well coordinated. David Ryan General Manager Waterways, Melbourne Water, March 2013

10

ppwrcs.vic.gov.au

Pressures on the region’s waterways & wetlands Pressures on water quality and riparian vegetation are imposed by urbanisation, urban stormwater, rural residential and agricultural landuses. Climate change poses long term and profound pressures on water availability and ecological systems in waterways and wetlands. Decision-making and action associated with implementing this strategy will need to focus on both minimising and adapting to the effects of these pressures. Monitoring and reporting on the region’s waterways & wetlands Melbourne Water will collect and manage data to enable assessment of progress towards the expected outcomes. Melbourne Water will collect data about the platypus, fish, frogs, birds, vegetation, macroinvertebrates and amenity in waterways and wetlands of this area, and may also gather data from various other organisations such as the Department of Environment, Land, Water & Planning, the Environment Protection Authority, the Bird Observers Club of Australia and some community groups. The data that is collected will be used to re-assess the condition of the waterways and wetlands in 2018 and the progress towards the 20-year and long-term outcomes. The condition of waterways will be reported on as part of a ‘catchment condition’ report produced by the Port Phillip & Westernport Catchment Management Authority.

ppwrcs.vic.gov.au

11

Achieving the vision for HINTERLAND Current condition of the region’s hinterland The Hinterland is the ring of rural and semi-rural land around Melbourne. In this RCS, hinterland is defined and mapped as land zoned in municipal planning schemes as ‘Green Wedge’, ‘Rural Living’, ‘Farming’, ‘Rural Conservation’ or ‘Special Use’. Hinterland covers almost 642,000 hectares; approximately 51% of the region, and these zones occur in 25 of the region’s 38 Council areas. The scale and accessibility of the Hinterland are important contributions to Melbourne’s long-held reputation as one of the world’s most ‘livable’ cities. Hinterland is a vital environmental legacy for future generations. Melbourne’s hinterland, though of variable condition, it is predominantly ‘soft ground’ and supports: • The large majority of the region’s remaining native vegetation • The most viable habitat for much of the region’s surviving wildlife and biodiversity •

Productive and valuable agriculture and local food security

• Ecosystem services - clean air, water, assimilation of pollutants, climatic and temperature moderation and landscape aesthetics, and • Natural and open landscapes that are social and recreational oases for urban communities and hold essential cultural values. Targets and leadership for the region’s hinterland This strategy’s targets aim to preserve the current or practicable area of hinterland in each of the 25 municipalities where it occurs. To date, four councils have committed to a target to protect hinterland from changes in zoning for a combined area of approximately 72,659 ha. An example of a target and statement of commitment for ‘Hinterland’ in the Strategy is: Council area Lead role

Total current extent Target of Hinterland

Manningham

2,917

12

Manningham City Council

ppwrcs.vic.gov.au

At least 2,917 hectares of land in the Manningham City Council area remains zoned as ‘Green Wedge’, ‘Rural Living’, ‘Farm’ or ‘Rural Conservation’ through to 2030.

Statement of commitment Manningham City Council considers this target important and achievable. It is intent on and will contribute to its attainment. The Manningham City Council recognises that collaboration and coordination amongst numerous organisations is required to achieve this target and will play a lead role by generating and fostering the necessary partnerships. Joe Carbone, Chief Executive Officer, April 2013

Pressures on the region’s hinterland Melbourne’s population continues to grow rapidly. On current trends the city will have a population of 5.52 million by 2036, requiring 600,000 new dwellings over the next 20 years. Climate change is likely to result in increased temperatures, reduced rainfall and streamflow and increase atmospheric CO2 in the hinterland areas across the region. Monitoring and reporting on the region’s hinterland The extent of the hinterland will be monitored by regularly assessing the planning scheme zones and identifying any zoning amendments that have occurred. The condition (extent) of the hinterland will be reported as part of a ‘catchment condition’ report produced by the Port Phillip & Westernport Catchment Management Authority.

ppwrcs.vic.gov.au

13

Achieving the vision for COASTS Current condition of the region’s coasts Over 600km of coast surrounds Western Port and Port Phillip Bay. Its environments include: •

bay and ocean beaches

•

sand, rock, mangroves and cliffs

•

public land, private land and different land uses, and

• places of significant environmental value such as Ramsar sites and places of significant social value such as recreational beaches. Coastal environments are the interface between marine and terrestrial ecosystems and are vital to their productivity, health and resilience. They are highly valued socially and economically. The current environmental condition of the region’s coasts is variable. Some areas retain high environmental values while many others have been heavily modified by urban development, coastal settlement and recreational use. The 600km of coastline in this region has diverse environments and provides habitat for native plants and animals. The amount and quality of native vegetation, as indicators of the environmental value of a coastal zone, varies depending on the particular location of the coastal landscape. In developing this Regional Catchment Strategy, the region’s coast has been divided into 15 zones. The zones are delineated by significant changes in coastal characteristics and/or environmental values and where it is sensible to attach tailored environmental targets. Targets and leadership for the region’s coasts This strategy seeks to maintain, as much as is practicable, the environmental values of the coasts around the region. The priority, reflected in the targets, is to at least maintain the current extent and quality of native vegetation in each of the 15 coastal zones. Management of coastal assets (including coastal vegetation) is the responsibility of numerous Committees of Management. An example of a target and statement of commitment for ‘Coasts’ in the Strategy is:

Zone

Native vegetation area

Hastings 662

Target

Lead role


The extent of the native vegetation in the Crib Point Stony Point Crown Land Reserve to be maintained to 2030.

Crib Point –Stony Point Committee of Management

The Crib Point Stony Point Crown Land Reserve Committee of Management considers this target important and achievable. The Committee will act in partnership with DELWP and other organisations to protect the extent of the native vegetation on its Crown Land Reserve. The Committee will take a lead role in areas such as management planning and on-ground work. Crib Point Stony Point Crown Land Reserve Committee of Management April, 2014

It is expected that a Coastal Action Plan will be developed for the coast of the Port Phillip & Western Port region by the Victorian Government (led by the Central Coastal Board). The plan may generate improved information of existing or new pressures on the environmental values of the coasts and may lead to this section of the RCS being revised. Pressures on the region’s coasts Some of the main pressures on the environmental value of coasts are native vegetation loss or decline due to coastal development; invasive plants and animals and climate change impacts including coastal inundation.

14

ppwrcs.vic.gov.au

Monitoring and reporting on the region’s coasts The Department of Environment, Land, Water & Planning will manage data on native vegetation extent and quality, which will enable assessment of progress towards the targets. The data will be used to re-assess the environmental condition of the coastal zones. It is expected that a Coastal Action Plan will be developed for the coast of the Port Phillip & Western Port region by the Victorian Government (led by the Central Coastal Board). The plan may make progress towards an ‘Index of Coastal Condition” or similar that could better describe and assess the environmental value of coastal areas. That could lead to these monitoring arrangements being revised. The condition of the coastal zones will be reported on as part of a ‘catchment condition’ report produced by the Port Phillip & Westernport Catchment Management Authority.

ppwrcs.vic.gov.au

15

Achieving the vision for PORT PHILLIP BAY Current condition of Port Phillip Bay Port Phillip Bay is arguably the single most important environmental, social and economic asset in the region, possibly in all of Victoria. Its ecological services - aesthetic seascapes, fishing, transport, wastewater purification, and opportunities for swimming and boating, are irreplaceable. Port Phillip Bay is Victoria’s largest marine bay with an area of 1,950 sq km. The vast majority of the Bay is under 10m in depth and water exchange with the open ocean is highly restricted. Quality marine water underpins all of Port Phillip Bay’s myriad assets. Its waters sustain all its biota, nutrient cycling and the ecological services that make the bay so important. Quality water is also the asset most vulnerable to catchment-based impacts. Whilst the bay’s water quality is generally good, the State Environment Protection Policy (SEPP) objectives for Western Port have been achieved, overall, on 93% of samples in recent times. Water samples sometimes fail SEPP objectives for turbidity (secci disc depth), chlorophyll and dissolved oxygen. Turbidity is an important parameter to monitor because high turbidity reduces light penetration and hampers the ability of seagrass and mangrove communities to flourish. Targets and leadership for water quality in Port Phillip Bay Targets for water quality use State Environmental Planning Policy (SEPP) objectives to set maximum and/or minimum levels for a selected range of physio-chemical, nutrient and metal contaminants and conditions which pollute or impact freshwater and marine environments. The evaluations for this report are made using data provided by EPA Victoria from its Fixed Site Water Quality Monitoring program. An example of the target and a statement of commitment for Port Phillip Bay are: Target


At least 90% attainment of SEPP objectives for Port Phillip Bay each year to 2030

The Department of Environment, Land, Water & Planning (DELWP) considers this an important target. Through the Victorian government’s, “A Cleaner Yarra River and Port Phillip Bay - A Plan of Action”, strengthening government’s response and environmental management arrangements for the Yarra River and Port Phillip Bay is a key priority. DELWP recognises collaboration and coordination are important for attaining this target. DELWP will play a lead role by coordinating action to improve water quality and ensure timely responses to water quality changes, as set out in “A Cleaner Yarra River and Port Phillip Bay - A Plan of Action” and will support on-ground works and activities to prevent pollution and litter from entering waterways and support community action. DELWP will also contribute data to help monitor progress towards a cleaner Yarra River and Port Phillip Bay. Stuart McConnell Director Ecological Policy, Land, Fire and Environment, Department of Environment, Land, Water & Planning, April 2014

Pressures on water quality in Port Phillip Bay Whilst the condition assessment shows that the Bays’ water quality is generally good, the main sources of pollutants to marine water quality are from catchments, particularly from the Yarra River. Climate change also creates pressures to Port Phillip Bay’s marine waters.

Monitoring and reporting of water quality in Port Phillip Bay The Environment Protection Authority regularly collects water quality data for Port Phillip Bay and maintains a database of the results. Each year, this data is used to re-assess the condition of marine water by comparing the results to the objectives in the relevant State Environmental Protection Policy. The condition of marine water will be reported on as part of a ‘catchment condition’ report produced by the Port Phillip & Westernport Catchment Management Authority.

16

ppwrcs.vic.gov.au

Achieving the vision for WESTERN PORT Current condition of Western Port Western Port’s marine and coastal environments are of national and international significance. Its environmental diversity and productivity arise from unique combinations of natural environments. These environments are often in close proximity, their interrelationships further supporting Western Port’s extraordinary biodiversity. Western Port is a Ramsar-listed wetland and the subject of JAMBA* and CAMBA** agreements covering 330 indigenous, resident and migratory birds. Western Port’s natural values also include internationally significant animal communities, seal and penguin colonies and nurseries for important fish species. The water quality in Western Port is generally good. The State Environment Protection Policy (SEPP) objectives for Western Port have been achieved, overall, on 88% of samples in recent times. However, turbidity levels are often high, particularly in the northern and western parts of Western Port. High turbidity, caused by suspended sediments, reduces light penetration and hampers the ability of seagrass and mangrove communities to flourish. Targets and leadership for water quality in Western Port Targets for water quality use State Environmental Planning Policy (SEPP) objectives to set maximum and/or minimum levels for a selected range of physio-chemical, nutrient and metal contaminants and conditions which pollute or impact freshwater and marine environments. The evaluations for this report are made using data provided by EPA Victoria from its Fixed Site Water Quality Monitoring program. The Environment Protection Authority and the Department of Environment, Land, Water & Planning are both committed to maintaining water quality in the Western Port. The target and statement of commitment for Western Port is: Target At least 90% attainment of SEPP objectives in Western Port each year to 2030.

Statement of commitment The Environment Protection Authority (EPA) considers these targets important to help achieve the environmental quality objectives set out in the State Environment Protection Policy (Waters of Victoria) and relevant schedules F6 (Port Phillip Bay) and F8 (Westernport and catchment). EPA recognises the importance of collaboration and coordination in achieving these targets, and will support PPWCMA in a lead role as environmental regulator and influential Authority. EPA will inform community, business and Government on the environment protection laws and regulations, support business and industry to comply with these, and monitor and enforce compliance with the law where necessary. Under the Victorian Government’s “A Cleaner Yarra River and Port Phillip Bay”, EPA will lead public reporting of water quality monitoring in Port Phillip Bay and its catchments, which may assist partners in their reporting. Stephen Lansdell Team Leader Water, 6 August 2013

Pressures on water quality in and Western Port The condition assessment shows that Western Port’s water quality is generally good. However, the nature of Western Port’s physical environment makes the quality of its marine waters particularly vulnerable to adjacent agriculture, residential, industrial and port development. The main sources of pollutants from catchments are freshwater inflows, coastal erosion and coastal infrastructure. Climate change is a long-term and significant risk to Western Port’s marine waters.

Monitoring and reporting of water quality in Western Port The Environment Protection Authority regularly collects water quality data for Port Phillip Bay and maintains a database of the results. Each year, this data is used to re-assess the condition of marine water by comparing the results to the objectives in the relevant State Environmental Protection Policy. The condition of marine water will be reported on as part of a ‘catchment condition’ report produced by the Port Phillip & Westernport Catchment Management Authority. * Japan - Australia migratory Bird Agreement ** China - Australia Migratory Bird Agreement

ppwrcs.vic.gov.au

17

The Interactive Map An advantage of the web-based Regional Catchment Strategy is that its content can be explored spatially using the Interactive Map tool. The Interactive Map can be viewed at any scale, and features simple ‘turn-on/turn-off’ data layers showing the various environmental assets. The PPWCMA has monitored RCS usage since its release as a public draft, and a significant majority of users prefer to explore the Strategy via the Interactive Map. The Interactive Map can be accessed in the RCS website at www.ppwrcs.vic.gov.au • To explore the map turn on one or more layers of data from the menu on the left • Zoom into local scale or out to whole of region, or move your view around the map using your mouse • If you click on an environmental asset on the map, a pop-up box will appear with data and information relating to that asset’s condition, targets and leadership (this data mirrors the information contained in the text of the RCS).

www.ppwrcs.vic.gov.au

18

ppwrcs.vic.gov.au

ppwrcs.vic.gov.au

19

Port Phillip & Westernport Catchment Management Authority Level 1, Landmark Corporate Centre 454 – 472 Nepean Hwy FRANKSTON VIC 3199 P 03 8781 7900 F 03 9781 0199 E [email protected]