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BREMP CONSIDERATIONS RELATED to TRE 2 DEVELOPMENT
The BREMP says " The likely impacts of population growth on the BRE include:
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Loss of terrestrial habitat...
Sedimentation of the waterway is increased during construction activities;
Vegetated lands are replaced with paved surfaces that result in an increase in the volume & flow velocity of runoff as rainfall is no longer slowed & lessened by the vegetation;
Sediment, nutrient & pollutant loads in runoff are increased as it flows through developed land, rather than vegetated land as previously;
The subsequent impact of pollutants & runoff volumes on water quality & hydrodynamics has negative flow-on effects to the ecology of the Estuary;
The associated reduction in water quality also negatively impacts the recreational value of the Estuary for the new & existing residential & tourist population; and
The domestic pets accompanying the new urban population may impact fauna in surrounding natural areas.
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Waterfront developments are known to result in the destruction of estuarine habitats. (Fisheries (NSW Fisheries, 1999). BREMP Ref page 54
Future Development Sub-Plan as stated in the BREMP specifically about TRE 2
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Riparian Vegetation –There are currently some patches that provide a buffer of 100 metres from the water & should be preserved. For remaining areas 70 metres from SEPP 14 boundaries is desirable.
Terrestrial Vegetation – The southern portion of the site is directly linked to Bournda N. P. & provides a key habitat linkage between upslope environments & the estuarine environment of Black Ada Swamp. There are aerial photos showing clearing within TRE & around the SEPP 14 wetland. It is recommended that no further broadscale clearing be permitted within the existing forested areas & this land be zoned for environmental protection.
SEPP 14 Wetlands – Runoff from future development of the TRE will need to be managed through integrated water & stormwater management techniques.
Floodprone Lands – Thompsons Corner & existing wetlands would be floodprone & should be investigated for climate change impacts.
Climate Change & Sea Level Rise is likely & an increase in the future will translate directly to an increase in mean water level within the Bega River Estuary.
Urban Stormwater Management – these measures should be at three levels – lot scale, street-scale, sub-division-scale. Any measures need to minimise nutrients & pathogens. There should be no net increase in pollutant loads & no net increase in runoff volumes from the development.
Sewerage Management – there is no capacity for TRE 2 sewerage to go to the Country Club. If effluent goes back to TRE 2 it must be suitable at this site. Constraints exist, including slope, soil structure & groundwater interaction, particularly in view of likely increased estuary & groundwater levels in the future due to sea rise.
Visual Amenity – Where possible there should be no development on the hill slopes directly facing the river. This is recommended for the north-east facing peninsula of TRE & along the western boundary.
Aboriginal heritage – There are many Aboriginal sites on TRE 2. They should be investigated and protected. In earlier studies 25 sites were identified & potentially there are more.
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Climate Change – The impacts of future climate change are likely to lead to a wide range of environmental responses by the Bega River Estuary. One of the most significant climate change predictions for the Bega River is that of increase drought frequency as it further degrades the river’s already highly exhausted stream flow. The inflows to the river, particularly high rain fall events, are highly significant in maintaining the opening of the river entrance. A change in entrance berm processes i.e. height of the beach sand dunes, is likely to result from predicted sea level rise & changes to coastal storm intensity. This will have repercussions for groundwater tables around the estuary foreshore as well as for fringing & freshwater communities & habitats. These factors will alter entrance processes, likely making for more closure episodes. Under closed conditions increased air temperatures, due to drought, will increase water temperature in the estuary. This may degrade water quality, reduce oxygen in the water, produce algal blooms causing flow on effects to higher trophic levels of ecology & will affect aquatic fauna & flora.
With river closure comes the greater chance of nutrients & pathogens concentrating in the Estuary.
Implementation of the BREMP – the How & What Needs to be Done
There are 53 strategies for implementation and they are divided into critical, very high priority, high priority & medium priority.
Critical Strategies include:
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Gazettal of the BREMP by the NSW Government.
Agencies to incorporate relevant strategies into short & long term works & investment programs.
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Very High Priorities:
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Audit construction sites for sediment erosion controls, vegetation preservation, stormwater controls, etc.
Audit existing on-site systems & enforce upgrades.
No net increase in runoff & pollutant loads from future developments.
Prevent clearing & inappropriate vegetation removal.
Preserve foreshore land as a buffer from development & climate change.
Prevent development on steep slopes.
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And on it goes presenting a schedule of 53 strategies. The Plan includes a timeframe for action, key agency responsibility, cost & action description.
If the river estuary is to be healthy in the future these BREMP strategies must be implemented. We call upon concerned citizens to help push for the BREMP’s adoption. In a moment I will put before the meeting a proposition that I will ask you to vote on.
Motion:
That this meeting call upon the six key stakeholders in the BREMP to promptly approve the Plan, leading to the gazettal by the NSW Government and that the government agencies incorporate the strategies into their short & long term works & investment programs.
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