Cooloolabin Dam Recreation Management Discussion Paper November 2013
Contents November 2013... 1 Background... 3 Overview of Cooloolabin Dam... 6 Weed Management... 7 Cultural Heritage... 7 Commercial Development... 7 Trespassing... 8 Areas of Discussion... 9 Swimming... 9 Picnicking... 9 Playgrounds... 10 Camping... 10 Motorised Watercraft... 11 Non-Motorised Watercraft... 11 Fishing... 12 Recreation Trails... 13 Dogs... 13 Site Access... 14 Opening Hours... 14 Environment... 15 Have Your Say... 16 Version - 1 Page 2 of 17
Background Seqwater manages access to recreation opportunities whilst protecting natural resources and water quality. Our objective with this review is to listen and learn about what recreational opportunities you would like to see in and around the Lakes, and within our constraints will deliver a plan based on this feedback. Recreation on Seqwater lakes and land must be managed in a sustainable and environmentally friendly manner to ensure there are no adverse impacts on the core role of these assets providing a safe, secure and reliable water supply for our growing region. The draft State Planning Policy (released by the Queensland Government on 15 April 2013) acknowledges that there are opportunities to use dams and lakes for recreational uses on the proviso that those activities are carefully considered so as not to affect the primary use of the water storage assets. The operational requirements of Seqwater s business will always override any recreational use. All opportunities identified as part of this recreation review must not impact on Seqwater s regulatory obligations. This is particularly important in regard to water quality and the potential risks to water supply. Opportunities for outdoor recreation are not only limited by available space, but also by the other values and uses that exist for our sites. Seqwater s Recreation Management Framework recognises recreation in natural areas as a legitimate use, however not all activities can be provided at every site, nor is it desirable to do so. The purpose of this paper is to open up discussion on the opportunities relating to the management and allocation of recreation facilities at Cooloolabin Dam, keeping within the key principles of the Recreation Management Framework. The paper includes a number of discussion points. These points are not intended to be recommendations, merely a starting point to open the discussion process. For this review to be successful, it is important that the views of all interested parties are heard and understood. We strongly encourage you to have your say. Cooloolabin Dam is being reviewed in conjunction with Poona and Wappa Dams. Managing these sites in a local cluster group provides the opportunity to cater for differing experiences and settings, assisting to meet the key management principle of Diversity. This paper provides information on: Existing recreational facilities Areas for further discussion Past feedback provided to Seqwater Version - 1 Page 3 of 17
The Recreational Review Process To deliver safe, secure, resilient and reliable water supplies at least cost to its customers. Recreation Management Framework Our Objective: Manage access to recreation opportunities while protecting natural resources and water quality. Key Recreation Management Principles Water Quality Environmental Sustainability Diversity Asset and Land Management Sustainable Recreation External Engagement Financial Management Recreation Review Discussion Paper Land Based Activities Water Based Activities Operational Environmental Community Consultation Activities Survey Information Session Workshop 1 Workshop 2 Review Community Wide Benefits Financial Consideration Operational Imperatives Recreation Opportunities Final Site Management Plan Version - 1 Page 4 of 17
Summary of Activities and Feedback Activity Existing Community Feedback Swimming No No identified issues Picnicking Yes No identified issues Playgrounds Yes No identified issues Camping No No identified issues Motorised Watercraft No No identified issues Non-Motorised Watercraft No No identified issues Fishing Yes No identified issues Trails Yes No identified issues Dogs No No identified issues Site Access No identified issues Opening Hours No identified issues Trespass No identified issues Note Visitor surveys have not been undertaken for Cooloolabin Dam. The issues highlighted in this discussion paper are based on feedback provided to Seqwater staff. Version - 1 Page 5 of 17
Overview of Cooloolabin Dam Cooloolabin Dam was built on Rocky Creek in 1979. Water from Cooloolabin Dam is supplied to the Image Flat Water Treatment Plant. The lake is small with a surface area of around 220 hectares when full, a catchment area of 8.1 km 2 and a volume of 13,800 megalitres of water at full supply. Recreation Usage Currently, water-based recreation activities are not permitted on the lake at Cooloolabin Dam. There is a recreation area adjacent to the dam wall, with picnic tables, playground and a toilet block. There is a walking trail and a mountain bike trail around the lake. The mountain bike trail uses trails on Seqwater land, road, and trails within the adjacent Mapleton National Park. Cooloolabin Dam recreation area serves as the trailhead for the mountain bike trail. Version - 1 Page 6 of 17
Weed Management Cooloolabin Dam is infested with a highly invasive aquatic weed called Cabomba. A Weed of National Significance, Cabomba caroliniana, is an escaped aquarium plant. This submerged aquatic weed takes root in the bottom of the lake and grows in dense thickets, choking the water environment. At present, this weed cannot be successfully eradicated, only controlled. Presently, the most successful treatment used by Seqwater involves divers manually extracting the weed from the lake. This is time consuming and very costly. Due to its dense undergrowth, Cabomba poses a hazard for recreational water use. Fishing lines can become entangled in the weed and water sports such as boating, canoeing and swimming are affected. As such a key consideration in the use and management of this lake is the control of this weed and to ensure that opportunities for further dispersal are mitigated. This is of particular concern given the proximity of Cooloolabin Dam to Poona and Wappa Dams, as well as other waterways around the Sunshine Coast. Cultural Heritage Seqwater will work with the Aboriginal Parties for the area to determine their aspirations with regard to recreation activities at Cooloolabin Dam, including the establishment of any heritage trails or interpretive signage or other materials, and the impacts of any new infrastructure on Indigenous cultural heritage and how these can be mitigated if necessary. Seqwater will also work with any local historical societies with regard to the same aspects for historical cultural heritage. Commercial Development Regular requests to use the lakes and their catchments are received by Seqwater from businesses, individuals, community organisations, and other groups. These requests are for either one-off events (e.g. weddings) or for new activities to be approved at the lake. Each request is processed by Seqwater so that the risks and impacts are assessed and managed. Version - 1 Page 7 of 17
Seqwater s primary objective in its management of recreation is to manage access to recreation opportunities for the public. It is, however, recognised that commercial operators can play a role in supporting visitor needs and increasing the public s enjoyment and appreciation of our natural areas. Seqwater has developed a Commercial Activities Policy which outlines the process and requirements for any commercial use of sites. Where sites are used either temporarily or more permanently for commercial purposes, a commercial fee will be applied. While this review did not highlight any potential sites suitable for commercial use, proposals from interested parties are welcomed. Trespassing There have been no major identified issues of trespassing at Cooloolabin Dam. Version - 1 Page 8 of 17
Areas of Discussion Swimming Should a designated swimming area be established? Swimming is only a permitted activity at sites that have a designated swimming area for public safety reasons. Currently there is no designated swimming area at Cooloolabin Dam. Nil Water quality testing is required to ensure public health standards are met. Drinking water storage Limited suitable access Presence of cabomba weed and risk of entanglement by swimmers Picnicking Are the picnic facilities at Cooloolabin Dam satisfactory? There is a picnic area with toilet block at Cooloolabin Dam recreation area. Version - 1 Page 9 of 17
Nil Limited suitable areas Funding and maintenance costs Playgrounds Is the playground equipment satisfactory? There is a basic playground at the Cooloolabin Dam recreation area. Nil Funding and maintenance costs Camping Do you think the establishment of a camping area would be beneficial? There are currently no camping areas at Cooloolabin Dam. Given Seqwater land around the lake is limited, any establishment of camping areas may need to be implemented through collaboration with other agencies. Version - 1 Page 10 of 17
Nil Suitable sites or land Funding and maintenance costs Motorised Watercraft Cooloolabin Dam is a small lake which would present significant public safety concerns if it were opened to public access for motorised watercraft. In addition, the presence in the lake of the aquatic weed, Cabomba, must be considered. This weed cannot be successfully eradicated, only controlled. The most successful treatment currently employed by Seqwater involves divers manually extracting the weed from the lake. This is time consuming and very costly. Due to the risks of weed transfer and the cost of control, having motorised watercraft on the lake is not an option that can be considered. Non-Motorised Watercraft Should Cooloolabin Dam be opened up to nonmotorised watercraft? Should a Boating Permit Scheme be introduced at all Seqwater lakes where boating is permitted, to help pay for the ongoing provision and maintenance of the recreation facilities? Seqwater has received calls for Cooloolabin Dam to be opened to paddlecraft. Due to the presence of Cabomba weed in the lake, preventing the spread of aquatic weeds (through education and effective wash-down facilities) would be a critical consideration in allowing non-motorised watercraft on the lake. Version - 1 Page 11 of 17
A Boating Permit Scheme already exists at Lakes Somerset and Wivenhoe. One permit could provide access to all Seqwater lakes Database of permit holders would allow targeted communications regarding sites to be easily done and also aid education Access points to the lake Size of the lake Managing spread of aquatic weeds Fishing Is fishing at Cooloolabin Dam satisfactory? Currently, fishing is permitted from the shoreline of Cooloolabin Dam recreation area. Live bait and lead sinkers are not allowed to be used when fishing at Cooloolabin Dam it appears that these restrictions were put in place to try to reduce the introduction of exotic animal species and to limit the introduction of lead into the lake. The lake is not currently stocked with fish. Nil Limited access to the lake. Version - 1 Page 12 of 17
Recreation Trails Do you find the available trails to be satisfactory? There are walking and mountain biking trails around the lake at Cooloolabin Dam. The Cooloolabin Dam recreation area serves as a trailhead for the mountain bike trail that runs partly on Seqwater land, as well as using local roads and fire trails through adjacent Mapleton National Park. Nil Funding and maintenance costs Dogs Should dogs on leashes be permitted at Cooloolabin Dam? Currently, domestic pets, including dogs, are not permitted at Cooloolabin Dam. Cooloolabin Dam provides sanctuary to an abundance of birdlife Dogs can impact visitor amenity and public safety if they are not controlled by all owners Increased management costs Version - 1 Page 13 of 17
Site Access Does access to Cooloolabin Dam need to be improved? Opportunities for the provision of access points around Cooloolabin Dam are limited. Nil Limited suitable sites Opening Hours Should opening hours for summer months and winter months be adjusted to more closely correspond to daylight hours? For example: October March 5.30am 6.30pm April September 6.30am 5.30pm Access to all Seqwater sites, including on-water access, is currently permitted between 6am 6pm. The only exception to this is camping at a designated campground or if a permit expressly provides permission. Nil Opening hours need to be consistent across all sites Version - 1 Page 14 of 17
Environment Are there any areas of environmental significance that should be protected around Cooloolabin Dam? Cooloolabin Dam provides habitat to native fauna, particularly birdlife. Nil Nil Version - 1 Page 15 of 17
Have Your Say We are undertaking a Recreation Review to listen and learn about the recreational opportunities the community would like to see in and around the lakes and, within defined constraints, deliver a suite of management plans based on this feedback. You can have your say on the recreational activities specific to this paper in the following ways: Website All details of the recreational review process are available online at www.yourseqwater.com.au. Please visit the website for regular updates. Phone Should you need to know any further information or clarification on this paper please contact us on 1800 505 182 or recreationreview@seqwater.com.au. Survey An online survey is available at our website www.yourseqwater.com.au. Simply click on the survey online and follow the prompts to select the area of your choice. Information Sessions Seqwater will be advertising an information session where you can ask questions or get additional information on the review process. Details of the information session can be located online at www.yourseqwater.com.au and it will be advertised in local newspapers. Workshop Nominate yourself to attend the following workshops. Details of the workshops are on our website www.yourseqwater.com.au. The content of the two workshops is sequential and therefore only attendees of the first workshop will be attending the second workshop: 1. Round 1 Workshop: Have your say 2. Round 2 Workshop: Feedback so far Version - 1 Page 16 of 17
Appendix A: Table of Discussion Points Activity Swimming Discussion Points Should a designated swimming area be established? Picnicking Are the picnic facilities at Cooloolabin Dam satisfactory? Playgrounds Is the playground equipment satisfactory? Camping Do you think the establishment of a camping area would be beneficial? Motorised Watercraft Non-Motorised Watercraft Fishing Should Cooloolabin Dam be open to non-motorised watercraft? Should a Boating Permit Scheme be introduced at all Seqwater lakes where boating is permitted, to help pay for the ongoing provision and maintenance of the recreation facilities? Is fishing at Cooloolabin Dam satisfactory? Trails Are the available trails to be satisfactory? Dogs Should dogs on leashes be permitted at Cooloolabin Dam? Site Access Does access to Cooloolabin Dam need to be improved? Opening Hours Environment Should all sites operate under different opening hours for summer months and winter months to more closely correspond to daylight hours eg: October-March 5.30am-6.30pm April September 6.30am-5.30pm Are there any areas of environmental significance that should be protected around Cooloolabin Dam? Version - 1 Page 17 of 17