Estuary Name:

SWAN LAKE & BERRARA CREEK

Status of plan:

Plan developed and adopted by Task Force in 2002

Actions undertaken:

-Nature Conservation

NPWS increasing protection of shorebird nesting site at mouth of Berrara Creek

Foreshore Rehabilitation projects at Dyballs Reserve Swan Haven, Errol Bond and Ski Beach Reserves completed 2006

Lake Education Signage designed and in installed in 2006 at Errol Bond Reserve

Bush care group is active in restoring riparian vegetation on Berrara Creek Flats reserve

Envirofund and CMA funding has been allocated in 2007 for extensive weed management work on the public reserves at the lake inlet channel area

-Water Quality

Surface Water Quality Swan Lake and Berrara Creek

-Erosion and Sedimentation

Foreshore rehabilitation plans have been developed under the Estuary Management Program. Implementation of these plans will continue on a priority basis as funding allows.

-Cultural Heritage

The aboriginal burial site at Errol Bond reserve uncovered by erosion triggered by elevated lake levels during 2006 have been scheduled for increased protection. These works have been approved and part funded by DECC and endorsed by the Jerringa Aboriginal Land Council.

-Flooding

The Entrance Management Policy provides alleviation of minor flooding by the mechanical opening of the lake.

-Fishery

Caulerpa signage has been installed at boat ramp locations to reduce the risk of introducing the marine pest into the lake.

The naturally low salinity levels in the lake is considered to reduce the likelihood that Caulerpa would successfully establish in the lake.

DPI Fisheries routinely inspect the lake for outbreaks.

-Recreation, Waterway Access & Boating

Draft Boat users Plan of Management completed in 2005 and signage installed at boat ramps

Safe swimming areas have been installed at Errol Bond reserve, Cudmirrah and Dyball Reserve , Swan Haven.

-Visual Quality

 Very good

-Estuary Entrance

Entrance Management Policy was adopted in 2003 under Estuary Forward Program recommending the raising of the opening intervention level to 2.4m AHD.

Unauthorised opening of the lake during July 2007 at 2.2m AHD and at a location south of the rock shelf resulted in a reduced scour of a deep channel and the rapid closure of the lake

Natural Resources and Floodplain Management Committee:

Yes

Committee meetings held:

Biannually