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18. Review of adequacy of existing environment protection measures (eg waterway zoning) and if inadequate, make appropriate changes to existing instruments, or introduce new habitat protection tools (eg SEPP-14 declaration)

This option involves detailed mapping of areas of environmental significance, such as Endangered Ecological Communities (EECs), sandflats and mudflats utilised by migratory wader birds, areas of native seagrass (particularly P.australis), saltmarsh, mangrove forests, hollow trees etc. The maps will then be cross-referenced against local, state and federal planning instruments to determine the required versus current protection of these habitats. Amendments will be made to Council’s planning instruments to ensure adequate protection for habitats against degradation due to inappropriate activities or future development (eg 7(a1) Environmental Protection Waterways for native seagrasses).

In addition, an application to DoP would be made requesting suitable areas within Pittwater, such as Careel Bay wetlands, be specifically included under SEPP-14. (Council is alreadyy incorporating the Model DCP – Protecting Sydney’s Wetlands (SCCG 2001) into Pittwater 21 DCP). Opportunities through the Fisheries Management Act 1994 to have certain areas within the estuary protected by an Aquatic Reserve declaration or certain habitats declared as Critical Habitat of endangered species, populations or ecological communities need also be investigated eg, for mudflats that provide habitat for the endangered Bush Stone-curlew and several other threatened species of migratory wading birds.

Responsibility: Investigated by Council in conjunction with the DPI and DECC.

19. Move existing moorings away from seagrass beds and establish ‘no anchoring’ zones over substantial seagrass beds and Caulerpa taxifolia infestations

Moorings may have a significant impact on seagrass beds, particularly “scalping” circles where slackened mooring chains during the low tide have dragged and damaged seagrass beds. Moorings should be relocated away from seagrass beds. Where relocation is not feasible, seagrass friendly moorings should be mandated for use in all areas of seagrass. It is recognised that a mooring cap has been applied within Pittwater, and that suitable locations for relocated moorings may be limited.
 
‘No anchoring’ zones should also be established in areas that contain substantial beds of seagrass to prevent damage to the beds as well as in areas of Caulerpa taxifolia infestation to prevent spread of the weed. The areas in front of Barrenjoey (Station) Beach and within Careel Bay are two such areas that should be considered for ‘no anchoring’.

Responsibility: Council should liaise with NSW Maritime and the DPI Fisheries in considering relocation of relevant moorings and establishing ‘no anchoring’ zones.

20. Provide general environmental education regarding the estuary and its diverse habitats through signage, school kits and public displays

Providing education to the community regarding the estuary, its values and the potential impacts of humans is the aim of this option, to increase awareness about the estuary in the community’s day-to-day life. This option also involves the continued expansion of school and community education courses run by the Coastal Environment Centre. The education program would focus on sensitive areas of the estuary such as Careel Bay, and also on particular issues, such as reducing nutrients in runoff and the spread of environmental weeds. Signage and public displays, and a schools program would also be part of the delivery of environmental education.

Responsibility: Council would be responsible for design and implementation.

21. Remove weeds and exotic species from the foreshores and within the estuary itself, including the noxious species Caulerpa taxifolia

The option involves considerable on-ground works to systematically remove weeds and exotic species from the estuary and its surrounding areas. For private lands, removal of weeds would be thought education of landowners, targeted weed grants and enforcement of Noxious Weed Act provisions (as necessary).

DPI Fisheries, with support from the HNCMA and Council, should continue to manage Caulerpa taxifolia outbreaks (using salt treatment or other new methods) and implement the NSW Caulerpa Control Plan. Community education should also target ways to reduce the spread of C. taxifolia. 

Responsibility: Weed removal from foreshores and bushland areas could be organised through local landcare co-ordinator or Council’s Natural Resources staff.

22. Pro-actively manage the Careel Bay wetlands to maintain a mix of habitat types (which may include selective removal of mangrove seedlings from saltmarsh areas from time to time)

The most valuable environments from a species diversity perspective are those that have a wide range of habitat types. Within Careel Bay, the habitat diversity is being compromised by the prolific growth of mangroves. Both saltmarsh and sandflat areas have been affected by this relatively recent overgrowth. To maintain a healthy mix of habitat types it may be necessary to control the spread of mangroves into these other areas via selective removal of juvenile stock. This would need to be carried out by or in a manner approved by DPI Fisheries. The work should include measures to control access to and within the various wetland habitats.

Responsibility: Council and DPI Fisheries for implementation of this option

23. Plant native vegetation along both public and private foreshores to re-establish a riparian vegetated corridor around the estuary

This option involves planting indigenous species along the foreshores of the estuary to improve the habitat potential and scenic amenity of the waterway. Appropriate plantings could be carried out in the intertidal zone (eg with mangrove seedlings), the upper-tidal zone (eg with saltmarsh and salt tolerant species such as sedges and rushes) and the upper riparian zone (eg with casuarinas, acacia and eucalypts). Voluntary revegetation on privately owned lands would be encouraged through education, assistance and incentives, such as through HNCMA programs or similar.

Responsibility: Council’s bushcare co-ordinator with assistance from HNCMA programs could manage the implementation of this option.

24. Conserve and improve existing and potential habitat for native fauna, particularly avifauna

In concert with the habitat protection measures already mentioned, additional actions to enhance habitat values and protect native fauna remaining in Pittwater include:

• retention of habitat trees, fallen timber, bush rocks and wrack;
• installation of properly designed nesting structures for target species;
• creation of artificial roosts or protected roosting areas for wading and shore birds; and
• control of feral, pest and domestic animals.

Responsibility: The option would be co-ordinated by Council with substantial input from DECC and DPI. Both Council and the Pittwater community need to become involved in the implementation of applicable Species Recovery Plans (eg Bush Stone-curlew Recovery Plan) and DECC should become more involved in “off-park” conservation projects and programs.