floodplain-strategy-strategic-plan.pdf | 3125.39 KB - South West NRM

The floodplains of the Upper Condamine are one of the most valuable 

resources in Queensland. 

Meeting the challenges of strategic planning is vital to the sustainable 

use of this highly productive area. 

There is only one facet of strategic planning that is more important than 

the plan itself and that is the implementation of that plan. It is therefore 

imperative that processes used to develop the plan should also develop 

stakeholder ownership of that plan. 

Forming a partnership of local knowledge and experience with technical 

expertise and state of the art technology will be key aspects of the 

strategy. 

Linkages with 'Riparian' and 'Uplands' projects need to be established 

and maintained to ensure plans are complementary and total catchment 

needs are met. 

This document outlines a strategy and strategic plan to facilitate 

sustainable floodplain management in harmony with the Condamine 

Catchment Strategic Plan and the Queensland Murray-Darling Basin 

Natural Resource Management Strategy. 

John McLatchey and Clive Knowles-Jackson 

Upper Condarnine Floodplain Project 

October 1998 

Floodplain Strategy and Strategic Ran 1

CONTENTS 

FOREWORD ............................................................................................................................ i 

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS 

... 

................................................................................................... 111 

INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................................... 1 

A . FLOODPLAIN STRATEGY .......................................................................................... 2 

GOAL ............................................................................................................................... 2 

STRATEGIC DIRECTION ................................................................................................... 2 

CHALLENGES .................................................................................................................... 3 

OVERVIEW OF PRIORITY ISSUES .................................................................................. 3 

CONTEXT FOR ACTION .................................................................................................... 4 

STRATEGIES TO ACHIEVE OBJECTIVE ........................................................................ 4 

CURRENT ACTIVITIES ................................................................................................... 5 

KEY FUTURE ACTIVITIES ................................................................................................ 6 

OBJECTIVES ................................................................................................................. 7 

PERFORMANCE INDICATORS ......................................................................................... 7 

I3 . STRATEGIC PLAN ..................... ............................................................................ 13 

KEY ISSUES IDENTIFIED ................................................................................................ 13 

1 . LAND MANAGEMENT AND USE .......................................................................... 14 

2 . WATER QUANTITY AND QUALITY .................................................................. 16 

3 . COMMUNICATION. EDUCATION AND AWARENESS ...................................... 18 

4 . RIPARIAN ZONE MANAGEMENT ...................................................................... 20 

5 . RESEARCH AND LEGISLATION ............................................................................ 22 

EVALUATION ............................................................................................................... 2 4 

ALLOCATION OF RESOURCES ..................................................................................... 24 

C . RESOURCES AVAILABLE 25 

........................................................................................ 

LAND RESOURCE AREAS .............................................................................................. 25 

SOILS ............................................................................................................................... 25 

VEGETATION .................................................................................................................... 25 

CLIMATE ............................................................................................................................ 25 

APPENDICES .............. ............ ............................................................................................. 30 

A FLOODPLAIN MANAGEMENT PRINCIPLES ...................................................... 30 

B ISSUES IDENTIFICATION MEETING OUTCOMES ............................................ 3 1 

. . 

Floodplain Strategy and Strategic Plan 11

OWLEDGEMENTS 

This publication was produced by the Upper Condamine Floodplain Project with major input 

from Sarah Moles and Geoff Bass. The project team members are: 

Clive Knowles-Jackson 

John McLatchey 

Elyse Klupfel 

Steve Goudie 

Project Leader 

Project Officer 

Extension Officer 

Extension Officer 

The project team was guided by the Project Steering Committee and supported by the District 

Officers: 

Peter Pearce 

Geoff Bass 

Mark Genrich 

Clive Knowles- Jackson 

Paul Harris 

Nev Booth 

Wanvick 

Pittsworth 

Millmerran 

Oakey 

Dalby 

Chinchilla 

The contributions of the Project Team, members of the Project Steering Committee and the 

Staff in the Department of Natural Resources are gratefully acknowledged. 

..* 


INTRODUCTION 

The Floodplain Strategy and Strategic Plan has been prepared by the Upper Condamine 

Floodplain Project Steering Committee and Project Team to provide a strategic planning 

direction for the development of a Management Plan for the natural resources of the Upper 

Condamine Floodplain. 

The Plan outlines the broad strategies to appropriately address issues identified by the 

floodplain community during a series of public meetings in late 1997. This document is 

aligned with: 

the Queensland Murray-Darling Basin Catchment Natural Resource Management 

Strategic Plan 1996 - 2000, which outlines a vision and strategy for Integrated Catchment 

Management in the Queensland section of the Murray-Darling Basin; and 

The Condamine Catchment Strategic Plan, which outlines the broad strategies to 

appropriately manage the natural resource management issues identified by the Catchment 

Community. 

The document is divided into three sections: 

A. Floodplain Strategy; 

B. Strategic Plan; and 

C. Resources Available. 

The Strategy, or plan of action, documents the objectives, challenges, context for action, key 

future activities and performance indicators to achieve the desired objectives. 

The Strategic Plan provides an objective way of prioritising issues and activities for the 

floodplains and establishes the roles various organisations and individuals play in 

implementing the plan. Evaluation of the processes and activities is an important step in 

strategic planning, therefore suitable performance indicators need to be incorporated. 

The natural resources of the Condarnine Floodplain are discussed in the Resources Available 

section. 

The Floodplain Strategy and Strategic Plan is a "living" document and will evolve and 

develop in response to new knowledge and understanding of the floodplains. 

Floodplain Strategy and Strategic Plan 

I

A. FLOODPLAIN ST 

The ecological sensitivity, flow variability, competing demands on the use of the resources, 

and limited knowledge of physical, hydrological and biological process renders floodplain 

management as one of the most challenging natural resources issues. 

Development (including irrigation, urban growth, land management and infrastructure) 

continues to change the volume, extent and pattern of drainage of floodwater flows across the 

Condamine floodplains. Overland flows maintain wetland and floodplain ecosystems, 

providing beneficial inundation for dryland crops and pastures, and stock, domestic, and 

irrigation water supplies. 

Integrated planning and coordinated management is essential to ensure healthy, productive 

floodplains and should incorporate the precautionary principle of adopting Better 

Management Practices (BMPs) to avoid serious resource and environmental damage. 

GOAL 

Healthy, productive floodplains supporting sustainable natural resource use. 

TEGIC DIRECTION 

Cooperative and coordinated action is required by all involved in the management and use of 

the floodplain to effectively address land and water degradation and economic issues 

associated with natural resource management. 

Community concern over the degradation of the floodplain lead to the establishment of the 

Upper Condarnine Floodplain Project. This Natural Heritage Trust funded project is a 

partnership of landholders and Department of Natural Resources and incorporates the 

interests of all stakeholders on the floodplain, including local authorities and state 

government agencies. This community owned project is focused on the implementation of 

better management practices across the floodplain and will be achieved through the following 

processes: 

Situation analysis; 

Identification of need; 

Development of a Floodplain Management Plan through a community participation 

process; and 

Implementation of the Plan. 

Forming a partnership of local knowledge and experience with technical expertise and state of 

the art technology will be key aspects of the strategy. 

Floodplain Strategy and Strategic Plan

CHALLENGES 

Coordinated planning needs to be undertaken by State Government agencies, Local 

Government authorities, landholders and the wider community. 

Our knowledge and understanding of ecological, hydraulic and hydrological processes of 

the floodplain must be improved if sustainable resource use is to be achieved. 

Infrastructure on the floodplains must be designed, located and managed to allow flows to 

move across the plains without jeopardy to sustainable management for all users. 

Land management practices that degrade the floodplain, such as erosion, accelerated 

siltation, diversion and chemical contamination, must be minimised. 

Loss of riparian vegetation through clearing, dieback and inappropriate management needs 

to be stopped. 

Better management practices need to be adopted across the entire catchment. 

OVERVIEW OF PRIORITY ISSUES 

The following list ranks floodplain issues in the catchment in order of importance. Increasing 

numbers of C1' show increasing priority. 

@g;#'#'&' Uncontrolled and uncoordinated runoff along with inappropriately sited 

development infrastructure has lead to unnatural flow concentrations, and 

extensive land degradation. It is imperative that there is a coordinated 

approach to management of the floodplain, including fanning 

practices/systems. 

&'p&'#'e Increased interest in water resources, for agricultural industry and urban 

usage, has lead to increased pressure to maintain water quality and quantity. 

Uncontrolled extraction of overland flows from the floodplain and excess 

groundwater use impacts on ecosystem health and resource reliability. 

& 

F1 oodplain management issues and processes are not understood or 

appropriately planned for by the community and all levels of government. 

Communication and education needs to be integral to all strategies and 

activities. 

&:&:&:#:&: 

Floodplain management issues cannot be considered in isolation from the 

adjacent areas of the uplands and riparian zone, as each impact on the other. 

&kc-' &:&:&. 

Current legislation is inadequate (or non-existent) to address the emerging 

issues on the floodplain. There is a need for the development of a water 

sharing policy including environmental needs. 

&:&:&'&:&, 

Future effective, sustainable management of the floodplain is dependent 

upon extensive research including hydrologic and hydraulic modelling of 

overland flows and groundwater, and scientific investigation of fauna and 

flora (terrestrial and aquatic) requirements. 

F'loodplain Strategy and Strategic Plan 3

CONTEXT FOR ACTION 

The river and its floodplain are inextricably linked to and affected by land use 

management in upland areas. 

The ecological, cultural, economic and social value of the river and floodplain should be 

identified, quantified and the impact of human activity on these values determined as far as 

practical before decisions are made (in accordance with the precautionary principle). 

River and floodplain functions and values should be conserved within the context of 

integrated natural resource management. 

The rehabilitation of degraded rivers, creeks and floodplains is important and should be 

undertaken where necessary. 

I 

A coordinated and cooperative catchment approach to river and floodplain management is 

essential and must involve all stakeholders. 

Ongoing research into floodplain processes and management, and the dissemination of this 

knowledge to the community is important for their ecologically sustainable use. 

TEGIES TO ACHIEVE OBJECTIVE 

Support the development and implementation of coordinated ecological and cultural 

assessment, monitoring and reporting programs for floodplains. 

Support research that increases knowledge and understanding of ecological processes, 

hydrological cycles and aquatic biota, and improves practices for integrated management 

of river, floodplain and production systems. 

Support processes for developing equitable sharing and integrated management of river, 

floodplain and overland flows. 

I 

Foster investigation and development of effective techniques including; communication, 

education and awareness and 'better practise' guidelines for conservation, rehabilitation 

and management of the river and its floodplain. 

Floodplain Strategy and Strategic PIan 4

CURRENT ACTIVITIES 

Formation of a Project Steering Committee and its continued activities. 

Survey of the community to identify floodplain issues. 

Development of BMPs and Case Studies with the community. 

Development of an Upper Condamine Floodplain Resource Inventory and presentation to 

clients in a readily useable form. 

Investigation of legislative processes at both State and Local levels. 

Developing Floodplain Principles (Appendix A) and Criteria for use in the planning 

process and future hydraulic and hydrological modelling. 

Development and implementation of coordinated resource management plans. 

Development of a Case Study on all aspects of water allocation and sharing on the 

floodplains for referral to the Minister for Natural Resources for future consideration. 

Continued consultation with the floodplain community. 

Continued investigation of advanced technologies to determine methods of accelerating 

the planning processes. 

Continued linkages with other floodplain projects - Liverpool Plains, Waggamba Shire, 

Brigalow-Jimbour Floodplains Project, etc. 

Continued input to Shire Planning Schemes. 


KEY FUTURE ACTIVITIES 

Essential 

Establish and implement the framework and protocols to monitor and report on floodplain 

condition and trend against regionally defined benchmarks and national guidelines. 

Undertake a detailed Resource Inventory of the Upper Condamine Floodplain to be used 

for benchmarking, situation analysis and strategic planning. 

Develop and implement, with the community, a Management Plan for the whole of the 

Upper Condamine Floodplain. 

l 

Promote and maintain linkages with other activities, projects and planning schemes 

impacting on the floodplains. 

Develop principles, guidelines, criteria and strategies appropriate for use in Shire Planning 

Schemes across the plains. 

Initiate and implement legislation supporting appropriate floodplain development and 

water sharing. 

Highly Desirable 

The development and promote the adoption of better management practice guidelines. 

Provide technical assistance and incentives for on-ground works to improve management 

of floodplain habitats. 

Develop strategies, with other projects, to minimise impacts of sediment, nutrient and 

pesticide loads, on the floodplain environment and water quality. 

Undertake hydrological studies to identify the dynamics of overland flows and the 

.- I influences of management practices on the floodplain environment. 

Support the development and implementation of riparian vegetation retention and 

rehabilitation plans at catchment and sub-catchment level. 

Coordinate with other projects to develop and promote cost effective methods to minimise 

channel and stream bank erosion at critical locations on the plains. 

Promote the development of strategic Land Management Planning in the Uplands to 

compliment floodplain planning. 


OBJECTIVES 

Integrated and coordinated planning and management between the local community, state 

government agencies and local government. 

Development on the floodplain located to minimise overland flow concentration, 

diversion, land degradation and flood damage and allied to historical flood flow patterns. 

Effective monitoring processes providing useful information for effective floodplain 

management. 

Comprehensive inventory of ecological, physical and cultural characteristics of floodplain 

areas. 

I 

! Adoption of better management practice, through community and education programs, to 

reduce adverse impacts on the floodplain and instream biota. 

Floodplain hydrological cycle clearly documented and incorporated into planning and 

decision making. 

Legislation supporting appropriate development and equitable water sharing on the 

floodplain. 

ANCE INDICATORS 

Percentage of community and resource managers adopting BMPs. 

Number and extent of management plans prepared and implemented for priority floodplain 

areas. 

Reduction in levels of disaster relief funding. 

A community with a higher level of knowledge and understanding of floodplain issues. 

Linkages with other projects maintained including complementary upland and riparian 

projects. 

e Extent, diversity and quality of riparian buffer zone vegetation retained or replanted. 


FLOODPLAIN MANAGEMENT ST 

Objectives 

Integrated 

and 

coordinated planning 

and management 

between the local 

community, state 

government agencies 

and local government. 

Strategy 

1. Develop and implement a community 

owned management plan for the whole 

of the Upper Condamine Floodplain. 

2. Promote and maintain linkages between 

activities influencing floodplain 

management (WAMP, CRBIA, Vision 

2000, etc.). 

3. Incorporate between management 

practices into local authority planning 

schemes. 

la 

I b 

lc 

2a 

2b 

2c 

2d 

3a 

3b 

Action required 

Identify existing and potential land 

degradation areas and causes. 

Implement appropriate management 

practices. 

Establish guiding principles for 

floodplain management. 

Identify existing activities on the 


Establish common meeting forums. 

Promote coordination. 

Minimise the duplication/overlap of 

activities through effective 

communication. 

Ensure local authorities represented at 

policy forum and on working parties. 

Ensure appropriatelrelevant input into 

planning schemes. 

Priority 

Essential 

Essential 

Highly 

Desirable 

Desirable 

Desirable 

Desirable 

Highly 

Desirable 

Highly 

Desirable 

Highly 

Desirable 

Reconznsended Lead 

Respo,rsibility 

DNR in partnership with the 

Community 

Local Governments and Community 

UCFPP 

CCMA 

DNR and CCMA 

DNR and CCMA 

DNR and CCMA 

DNR and Local Governments 

DNR 

Floorlplain Strategy and Strategic Plan 8

Objectives 

Development on the 

floodplain located to 

minimise overland 

flow concentration, 

diversion, land 

degradation and flood 

damage and to maintain 

historical flood flow 

patterns. 

Strategy 

1. Identify existing and natural flow paths 

and recommend appropriate 

development and use. 

2. Develop uniform guidelineslcriteria 

appropriate for use in local government 

planning schemes across the floodplain. 

3. Develop and promote cost effective 

methods to minimise channel and bank 

erosion on floodplain waterways and 

streams. 

4. Promote community awareness of water 

development and management issues. 

la 

1 b 

2a 

2b 

2c 

2d 

3a 

3b 

4a 


Conduct and complete topographic 

interpretation of the natural flowpaths. 

Conduct community workshops drawing 

on local knowledge to identify existing 

flow paths. 

Identify floodplain activities requiring 

detailed guidelines. 

Through community engagement of all 

stakeholders, develop floodplain 

guidelines. 

Promote the adoption of guidelines. 

Ensure regular review of guidelines to 

maintain their relevance. 

Review relevant knowledge on 

techniques to minimise erosion. 

Implement effective management 

techniques through technical assistance 

and incentives. 

Conduct a communication program to 

build awareness of water as a valuable 

and finite resource. 

Priority 

Essential 

Highly 

Desirable 

Highly 

Desirable 

Desirable 

Desirable 

Desirable 

Desirable 

Highly 

Desirable 

Desirable 

Recot~ztizctz ded Lend 

Respotzsibility 

UCFPP 

UCFPP 

UCFPP in partnership with the 

community 


community 

DNR and community 

DNR 

DNR 

Community with assistance from DNR 

and Landcare groups 

DNR 

Fioodplain Strategy and Strategic Plan 9

Objectives 

Effective monitoring 

processes providing 

useful information for 

effective floodplain 

management. 

Comprehensive 

inventory of ecological, 

physical and cultural 

characteristics 

floodplain areas. 

of 

Strategy 

I. Establish and implement the framework 

and protocols to monitor and report 

floodplain condition and trend against 

regionally defined benchmark and 

national guidelines. 

1. Undertake a detailed resource inventory 

of the Condamine Floodplain to be used 

for benchmarking situation analysis and 

informed resource management 

decisions. 

la 

1 b 

1c 

la 

lb 

1 c 

Id 


Identify areas requiring assessment and 

monitoring (Eg. Silt deposition, water 

heights, recharge areas, etc.). 

Establish a monitoring and reporting 

network. 

Ensure monitoring results are 

interpreted and utilised in better 


Collect and collate all available natural 

resource information on the Condamine 

Floodplain. 

Collect and collate information on 

existing development activities. 

Identify knowledge gaps. 

Promote scientific research into areas of 

identified information/ knowledge 

deficiencies. 

Priority 

Highly 

Desirable 

Desirable 

Desirable 

Highly 

Desirable 

Highly 

Desirable 

Highly 

Desirable 

Highly 

Desirable 

Recorrzrrzerz~ied Lend 

Respotzsibility 


community 

DNR 

DNR 

UCFPP 

UCFPP 

UCFPP 

DNR and CCMA 

Floodplain Strategy and Strategic Plan 10 

! .' - . w--.. - .

Objectives 

Adoption of better 

management practice, 

through community and 

education programs, to 

reduce adverse impacts 

on the floodplain and 

instream biota. 

Strategy 

I. Promote continuing development and 

adoption of better management practices 

within the community. 

la 

I b 

I c 

Id 

le 

If 


Review existing management practices. 

Seek industry support. 

Conduct effective extension activities to 

promote adoption. 

Provide technical assistance and 

incentives for on-ground works. 

Continue to review management 

practices in light of increased 

knowledge and technology. 

Ensure all relevant information is 

considered in better management 

practise process. 

Priority 

Desirable 

Desirable 

Highly 

Desirable 

Highly 

Desirable 

Desirable 

Desirable 

Recotnt~zert ded Lend 

Respottsibility 


Community 

Community, DNR and CCMA 

DNR 

DNR 


community 


Community 

Floo(lp1uin Strutegy cmd Strategic Plan 

II

Objectives 

Floodplain hydrological 

cycle clearly documented 

and incorporated into 

planning and decision 

making. 

Legislation supporting 

appropriate 

development and 

equitable water sharing 

on the floodplain. 

Strategy 

1. Conduct hydrologic and hydraulic 

studies to identify the dynamics of 

overland flows and the influences of 

management practices on the floodplain. 

2. Determine long-term sustainable water 

(surface and groundwater) availability. 

1. Initiate and implement legislation 

supporting appropriate floodplain 

development and an equitable water 

sharing regime. 

la 

1 b 

lc 

2a 

2b 

2c 

la 

lb 

1 c 

Id 


Access funding to conduct modelling 

studies. 

Utilise best available modelling tools to 

conduct studies into the hydrologic and 

hydraulic nature of the floodplains. 

Incorporate modelling results into 

planning and decision making for better 


Conduct studies into catchment yield. 

Collect and collate data on existing use. 

Undertake studies of groundwater use, 

yield and recharge. 

Collect and collate data to identify the 

deficiencies1 inadequacies in applying 

existing legislation to the floodplain. 

Determine appropriate directions for 

legislative intervention. 

Determine appropriate regulatory 

mechanisms. 

Lobby government for implementation 

of legislative and regulatory support. 

Priority 

Essential 

Highly 

Desirable 

Desirable 

Essential 

Highly 

Desirable 

Desirable 

Highly 

Desirable 

Highly 

Desirable 

Desirable 

Desirable 

DNR 

DNR 

Recofizinerlded Lend 

Rrspoitsibility 


community 

DNR 

DNR 

DNR 

UCFPP and the Ministerial Resource 

Management Advisory Council 

UCFPP in pal-tnrrship with the 

community 


community 

Community 

Floodplnin Strategy and Strategic Pian 

I2

TEGIC PLAN 

In its natural state. the floodplain was a mostly treeless, gilgaied grass area that dispersed 

flood flows over a wide front. Development (irrigation, urban growth, land management 

infrastructure etc.) continues to alter the extent, patterns and volumes of flood flows across 

the plains. Overland flows provide beneficial inundation for crops and pastures, provide 

stock, domestic and irrigation supplies as well as helping to maintain flood plain ecosystems. 

To effectively address land and water degradation, and economic issues associated with 

natural resource management, cooperative and coordinated action is required by all involved 

in the management and use of the floodplain. 

The main aim is to maintain a sustainable, productive and healthy floodplain by having 

landholders cooperating to coordinate farming and infrastructure activities. This cooperative 

process has commenced and community meetings have been held to identify key issues. 

KEY ISSUES IDENTIFIED 

The key issues and concerns identified by the floodplain community (Appendix B) include: 

1. Runoff Coordination; 

2. Infrastructure - Road, Rail, Irrigation, etc.; 

3. Erosion; 

4. Farming Systems; 

5. Legislation; 

6. Water harvesting; 

7. Communication; 

8. Uplands effect; 

9. Riparian and environmental issues; 

10. Water use; 

11. Silt deposition; 

12. Water Quality; 

13. Research Needs; 

14. Other; 

15. Soil Fertility; and 

16. Research Modelling. 

These 16 issues can be grouped into five major topics: 

1. Land Management and Use; 

2. Water Quality and Quantity; 

3. Communication, Education and Awareness; 

4. Riparian Zone Management; and 

5. Research and Legislation. 

Curiously, no mention was made of weeds, which are generally considered a major problem 

in the area. 


1. LAND MANAGEMENT AND USE 

GOAL 

improve the bulunce between economic viability and szrstuinable use of the fiodpluin resources. 

The floodplain is one of the most productive agricultural areas in the country. Land degradation 

costs, productive capacity and ecological sustainability as well as off site effects are 

considerable. 

THE ISSUES 

Runoff Coordination 

Uncontrolled and uncoordinated runoff is allowing concentrations of flood flows to flow in paths 

detrimental to the plains, with some landholders concentrating flows for flood harvesting thus 

producing new flow paths and new off site problems. 

Infrastructure 

Current road, rail and flood harvesting infrastructure cause flow to concentrate in areas on the 

floodplain that are not natural. To keep roads and rail accessible in times of flood, construction 

has been above ground level thus creating diversions. The advent of flood harvesting with its 

associated infrastructure for storage's and supply ditches can create large 'flood shadows' across 

the floodplain. 

Soil Erosion and Silt Depositions 

Although identified as separate issues soil erosion and silt deposition are a product of lack of 

runoff and infrastructure coordination. The lack of integrated planning has led to flow 

concentrations which reach erodible velocities and result in severe soil movement. The 

subsequent slowing down of water then produces siltation which can exacerbate erosion and 

siltation processes and can result in changes to runoff patterns. 

Farming Systems 

With such a diversity of crops grown and both dryland and irrigation regimes in place, farming 

systems are complicated. The simple system to emulate nature and spread flood flows over as 

wide an area as possible are complicated by irrigation practices and cropping patterns and 

rotations. 

Upland Effects 

Increased cultivation in the upland catchments has increased the volume of water running off the 

land, while land conservation systems (Eg. waterways and contour banks) concentrate runoff into 

localised areas. This results in erosive overland flooding on the plains. 

Soil Fertility 

Soil Fertility is not generally considered limiting to sustainable production of floodplains because 

artificial fertilisers can be used in the area. The fertility issue raised may relate to the decline of 

soil structures, losses due to soil erosion and stream siltation. 


LAND MANAGEMENT AND USE 

Objectives 

Strategy 

Repair and reduce land 1 . Identify eroded and silted areas 

degradation. 

and their cause. 

2. Identify runoff coordination 

problems 

Integrate and coordinate 3. Identify problems with 

sustainable land use, 

infrastructure 

management, developments 1 4. Identify soil fertility problems 

I and practices through a 

I 

I 

I 

coordinated participative 

planning process. 

I 

DPI - Dept of Primary Industries 

5. Control and manage land 

degradation 

1 6. Recommend improved farming 

systems 

7. Reduce affects from upland 

catchment 

Action Required 

a) Prioritise issues and identify remedy. 

b) Implement appropriate erosion control practices. 

c) Prepare and implement coordinated plans. 

d) Negotiate with local government about 

coordination issues. 

e) Prepare local area Floodplain Management Plans 

to overcorne problems with infrastructure. 

f) Negotiate with local government and others Eg. 

road grading more suitable actions. 

g) Research and development programs to address 

the land degradation problerns (Eg. consider 

controlled traffic techniques, farm size/viability, 

who When 

Stakeholders @ 0612000 

workshops 

Stakeholders (@ 0612000 

workshops 


workshops 


workshops 


workshops 


workshops 

DPI, DNR and ongoing 

Stakeholders 

1 cooperative farming, and subcatchment planning I I I 

implementation and maintenance). 

h) Develop and distribute better management 

practice guidelines for floodplain management. 

i) Develop uniform guidelines for local government 

activities on floodplain. 

j) Develop methods to reduce effects of elusive 

I overland flow flooding particularly at 'outlet' I workshops 1 I 

areas Eg. flood spreaders, flood mitigation dams 

etc. 

k) Update inventory of floodplain resources 

regularly. 

1) Develop Floodplain Principles. 

m) Develop Floodplain Criteria. 

n) Develop overall Floodplain Management Plan. 

DNR and 

Stakeholders 

Local Govt. and 

DN R 

Stakeholders @ 

m-+ 

I 

10198 

12198 

06/2000 

ongoing 

Stakeholders 1 12/98 

I 

Stakeholders 1 06/99 

Stakeholders 1 1212000 

tpartment of Natural Resources 

Floorlplain Strategy and Strategic Plan 15

WATER QUANTITY AND QUALITY 

GOALS 

To have hulmced consumption crnd environmental usage of water bused on filir and 

equitable distribution principlesfor all stukeholders. 

To maintain and improve wafer quulity. 

Droughts and low commodity prices have seen increased interest in the water resource for 

agricultural industry and urban usage. This has lead to increased pressure on maintaining 

water quantity and quality (both under ground and surface water supplies). 

THE ISSUES 

Water hawesting 

The interest in harvesting of overland flows for irrigation is increasing. Applications for 

licences to build storage's are continuing due to fears that a 'stop7 could be put to this 

practice. There is a feeling that a successful application for a licence to build infers an 

allocation. Uncontrolled extraction of overland flow from the floodplain impacts on 

stream performance #and existing users consider that it effects their perceived 'established 

water rights' - where in fact no prior rights to this water exists, except as defined by 

common law. 

Water Use 

Currently all stream and groundwater systems are deemed to be hlly committed so 

overland flow harvesting is the best avenue available for access to water for agricultural 

purposes. 

Water access and utilisation of surface and shallow groundwater supplies - urban, stock, 

domestic and irrigation - is causing concern relating to the reliability of this resource. 

Capturing overland flow is seen by landholders as a means of easing their situation. 

There is a need for the development of water sharing policy including environmental 

needs. Industry groups are working towards the development of these policies in 

' 1 conjunction with the Upper Condamine Floodplain Project. 

Other issues include: improved information and understanding of what and how much 

environmental flow is required and the efficient use of the existing water resource. 

Water Quality 

Concerns were expressed relating to the possible pollution of water supplies by farming 

and urban activities - turbidity, chemicals, salinity and sewage - evidenced by poor 

ecological health of waterways. The Condamine Balonne Water Committee is 

coordinating and overseeing water quality monitoring. More funding is needed to 

continue and expand this process. 


WATER 

Obiective 

Prepare and implement 

coordinated plans addressing 

management and allocation 

I issues in participation with the 

floodplain community 

c 

DNR - Dept. of Natural Resources 

Strategy 

1. Determine long term sustainable 

water availability and quantities 

2. Determine environmental flow 

requirements for the floodplain in 

conjunction with WAMP. 

3. Develop and implement appropriate 


a) Collect andlor collate data into a useable format 

for the water system. 

b) Develop and reconuinend management options to 

secure sustainable water use. 

c) Collect, collate, and coordinate water harvesting 

Who 

DNR, Stakeholders 

plans to achieve long term I activities. I I I 

sustainable water use. 

4. Maintain and/or improve water 

quality 

5. Increase water quality monitoring. 

d) Set a clear direction for development, where it is 

sustainably possible. 

e) Recommend practices to minimise environmental 

impacts. 

f) Determine scope for further water development on 

the floodplain in conjunction with WAMP. 

g) Promote community awareness of water 

development and management issues. 

h) Identify gaps in existing water monitoring and 

address. 

i) Initiate processes to maintain/improve water 

quality. 

j) Raise community awareness to water quality 

projects and issues. 

k) Implement overland flow measuring program. 

1) Involve all stakeholders io developing an overland 

flow strategy on the floodplains. 

1n)Develop floodplain modelling skills across the 


n) Identify existing flow paths across the floodplain. 

CRBIA - Condamine River Basin Irrigators Associati011 

DNR, Stakel~oldrrs 



DNR, Stakellolders 

CRBIA, CBWC 


CRBl A 


CRBIA 


When 

Ongoing 

Ooguing 

011goi11y 

Ongoing 

DNR, Stakeholders 12/98 

Schools, CBWC 

DNR, Stakeholders 98 & 

Schools. CBWC 

DNR, Stakeholders 1 1/98 

DNR, Stakeholders ongoing 

CRBIA 

DNR, Stakellolders 11/98 S: 

ongoing 

DNR, Stakeholders 8/98 S: 

CBWC - Condamine Balonne Water Committee Inc. 

Ongoing 

Ongoing 

Ongoing 

Ongoing 

1 ongoing I 

Fhodpkain Strategy and Strategic Plan 17

3. COMMUNICATION, EDUCATION AND AWARENESS 

GOALS 

A community with a higher level of understanding and knowledge offloodplain isszies and 

management. 

A better informed communi@ will make better informed decisions relating to floodplain 

matters. 

THE ISSUES 

Floodplain management processes are not properly understood or appropriately planned 

for by the community and all levels of government. The benefits of natural resource 

management projects are not readily accepted by the community or associated and 

identified with any particular group. 

Community groups and individuals are not well informed on floodplain general issues but 

know what happens on "their own patch" and who to "blame" when "out of the ordinary" 

circumstances arise. 

Communication and education are integral to all strategies. 


4. RIPARIAN ZONE MANAGEMENT 

GOAL 

To enhance the physical and biological condition of instream cmd riparicin zones. 

Link with the Ncltional Heritage Trust project for the Qzreensland section ofthe Murray 

Darling Busin that is dealing with implementation of Sustainable Riverine Management. 

Little knowledge of appropriate management techniques exists and available information 

indicates a general degradation of this zone. 

THE ISSUES 

There is a poor understanding of processes within a riparian zone. In fact, there are 

differing opinions on what constitutes a riparian zone. It is considered that land use and 

management adjacent to and within the zone are major contributors to its degradation. The 

lead agencies for riparian management appear to be with River Improvement Trusts, but 

not all shires in the area have Trusts. There does not appear to be an appreciation of the 

aesthetic and recreation benefits possible in riparian zones. 

Weeds such as Lippia, Eucalyptus die back and community consultation are major 

problems of the riparian zone. 


RIPARIAN ZONE MANAGEMENT 

I 

I 

Objectives 

Develop and implement plans which 

foster balanced riparian 

Strategy 

1. To ensure healthy intact streams 

and associated ecosystems. 

management. I I and prevent fi~rtlier 

To enhance instream healtl~ and 

promote ecological habitat values of 

1 2. To maintain/improve water quality 


Who 

a) Implement onground works to repair DNR, 

and/or reduce existing degradation CCMA, 

degradation. I Stakeholders, R: 

River Improvement 

Trust 

b) Instigate a community awareness CCMA, 

I in watercourses. 1 campaign. I DNR, 

I I ( CRBIA, & 

3. To manage riparian zones to 

maintain and enhance physical and 

Industrv groups 

c) Participate in the development of CCMA, 

riparian zone management guidelines. 1 Community, 

water courses I biological values. QMDB, 

I I I DNR, & 

4. To encourage community 

I understanding of the role and value I rigorous consultation procedures. I Community, 

of riparian zones. 

d) Participate in the development of 

I 

Industry groups 

CCMA, 

When 

08/98 Br 

ongoing 

ongoing 

ongoing 

ongoing 

I 

5. To reverse native vegetation 

I decline. 1 flow management, the River I DNR, 

Improvement Trust activities, CRBIA, & 

WAMP, the conjunctive water use QMDB 

project, and other floodplain projects. I 

DNR - Dept. of Natural Resources QMDB - Queensland Murray Darling Basin WAMP - Water Allocation Management Plan 

CCMA - Condamine Catch~ner~t Management Association 

CRBlA - Condaniine River Basin Irrigation Association 

e) Create linkages between overland 

Industry groups 

CCMA, 

07/98 &r 

ongoing 


5. RESEARCH AND LEGISLATION 

GOAL 

To develop rnnnugement programs within the 1egi.slutiveframework to influence changes 

necessary to make the legislation more workable. 

To identlfy gaps in floodplain knowledge and implement research to fill these gaps (Eg. 

farming systems, new spray technology and cooperative farming systems). 

THE ISSUES 

The activities recommended in floodplain management are all the product of past research 

and current legislation. Effective management needs to meet gaps in knowledge by further 

research. Landholders identified the need for on going research and monitoring of 

pollution levels in waterways. 

Landholders expressed concern at the lack of 'controls' on their activities due to gaps in 

current legislation but were united in needing legislative protection (support) and 

guidelines to direct certain activities. There was a general feeling that a local authority was 

best equipped to understand and implement their legislative needs. 

Current legislation is inadequate to address the emerging environment issues on the 


Legislation needs regular review to meet the challenges of new technology. 

Floodplain Strategy and Strategic Ran 22

RESEARCH AND LEGISLATION 

Objective 

Develop legislation and/or local 

laws for effective floodplain 

management. 

Gain an understanding wliich 

leads to integrating improved 

practices of riverine, floodplain 

and production syste~ns. 

Strategy 

1. To encourage the nine Shire 

Councils of the floodplains to adopt 

and interpret common local laws 

similarly. 

2.To speed up aggregation of 

legislation as it affects floodplain. 

3. Identify threatening processes to 

floodplain and riverine habitats. 

4. Develop and implement processes to 

identify and monitor pollutants and 

Actions 

a) Collect and collate data wliicli identifies 

differences in applying existing 

legislation. Provide input to the 

development of relevant floodplain 

legislation. 

b) Instigate a community awareness 

program. 

c) Catalogue known threatening processes to 

a sustainable floodplain and develop 

projects to contain them. 

d) Identify and access funding sources to 

carry out research and implementation 

Who 

DNR, 

UCPSC, & 

MRMAC 

CRBI A, 

DNR, & 

UCPSC 

DNR, 

Stakeholders, 

DEH, 

Industry, & 

groups 

DNR & 

EDROC 

When 

1 1/97 & 

ongoing 

ongoing 

ongoing 

their sources. programs. I I 

DNR - Dept. of'Natural Ilcsourccs CRRlA - C'ondaminc River Rasin Irrigators Associatioli I)EI 1 - Dcpt. of Iinviro~it~ic~it 

ii~id 1 ICI it;~gc 

ELIROC - iiaslcrn Ilowns Kegional organisation ol'Councils MICMAC - Miliisterial Resource Management Advisory Council UCI'SC - Upper Condatilinc I'roject Stcrring C'on~niiltee 

Floodplain Strategy and Stmtegic Plan 23

EVALUATION 

Evaluation of the strategic plan will revolve around the development of action plans for 

each issue identified and how community involvement and acceptance of the principles 

are received and adopted. 

Indicators will include the: 

nature and extent of management plans for the floodplain; 

success of implementation of BMPs; and 

degree of coordination of activities on the floodplain. 

Other indicators such as riparian zone plans and improvements in the diversity of aquatic 

riverine environments will also be available. 

ALLOCATION OF RESOURCES 

The resources available include a project leader offering 0.6 person equivalent, 2 new 

technical staff offering 1.2 person equivalent, a full time project officer (1 person 

equivalent) and 6 other persons with specialist skills producing another 1.6 person 

equivalents. In all, about 4 full time person equivalents. All these staff will be mobile 

but will have some budgetary constraints for field activity and community consultation. 

With support from the local authorities as promised, and a specialist journalist and 

consultancy available for specific issues, the project should move forward. 

FIoodplain Strategy and Strategic Plan 24

C. SOURCES AVAILABLE 

The floodplains of the Upper Condamine are widely recognised as one of the most 

valuable natural resources in Queensland. 

LAND RESOURCE AREAS 

A land resource area is an area of land with a particular combination of soils, geological 

material, topography and vegetation. The Condamine Floodplains contain some of the 

most fertile soils in the world and is one of the most productive agricultural area in 

Australia. 

J 

There are five major land resource areas (Figure 1) on the floodplains: 

1. Recent Alluvial Plains 

2. Older Alluvial Plains 

3. Brigalow Plains 

4. Cypress Pine Sand Plains 

5. Poplar Box Solodic Plains 

SOILS 

The fertile soils of the floodplains (Figure 2) include: 

1. Black Vertosols; 

2. Grey Vertosols; 

3. Black Sodosols; and 

4. Red Sodosols. 

VEGETATION 

The fertile soils of the floodplains have resulted in the planting of crops and improved 

pastures). 

Major vegetation communities (Figure 3) on the floodplains include: 

1. Crops or improved pasture; 

2. Open Forest (along the major creeks and rivers); and 

3. Isolated trees. 

CLIMATE 

The floodplains are in an intermediate climatic zone between the moisture coastal climate 

and the drier inland with an average annual rainfall of between 600 mrn and 700 mm. For 

a map of the annual rainfall distribution refer to Figure 4. 


I 

Upper Condamine 

ain Pro 

LAND RESOURCE 

AREAS 

SCALE 1 :I050 000 

w*. 

kilometres 

kilometres 

0 

6 

i 

I 

I 

1A Recent Alluvial Plains 

1 B Recent Alluvial Plains 

1 C Older Alluvial Plains 

1 D Older Alluvial Plains 

1 E Older Alluvial Plains 

2A Poplar Box Solodic Plains 

2B Poplar Box Solodic Plains 

3A Cypress Pine Sand Plains 

3B Cypress Pine Sand Plains 

4A Brigalow Plains 

4B Brigalow Plains 

4C Brigalow Plains 

5A Brigalow Rises 

5B Brigalow Rises 

5C Brigalow Rises 

6A Rolling DownsNValloons 

66 Rolling DownsNValloons 

7A lronbark Solodics 

78 lronbark Solodics 

7C lronbark Solodics 

8A PoplarBox Solodics 

88 Poplar Box Solodics 

' - 9A Marburg Sandstone 

9B Marburg Sandstone 

9C Marburg Sandstone 

$88 1 OA Basaltic Uplands 

10B Basaltic Uplands 

10C Basaltic Uplands 

11 A Granite Hills 

12A Traprock Hills 

13A Mixed Marburg/Walloon/BasaIt Hills 

COMPOSITES 

2AnA 

2BOA 

4N4B 

5B/5C 

-33B ssnc 

11 58/98 

6AnB 

7N9B 

a Upper Condamine Floodplain Project Area 

I 

I 

i 

i 

I 

I 

4 a 

- 

X11h11.nl 

Herilugc i+ 

'1'rllsL 

@The State of Queenshnd (Dept of Nalwal Resources) 1998 

Produced by Graphics Unit. DNR. Toowaomba September 1998


SCALE 1 : 1 050 000 

kilometres 

kilometres 

10 0 10 20 30 

I 

I Red Kandosols 

Yellow/Brown Sodosols 

Red Sodosols 

~rown sodosols 

Black Sodosols 

Black Vertosols 

n Grey Vertosols 

F q 

Brown Vertosols 

. 

Rudosols 

17 

.r 

Red Ferrosols 

Brown Dermosols 

Upper Condamine Floodplain Project Area 

Soil groups based on Australian Soils Classification 

Soils information derived from Atlas of Australian Soils 

@The State of Queenshnd (Dept of Natural Resoums) 1998

VEGETAT 

SCALE 1 : 1 050 000 

Y 

A kilometres kilometres 

FORESTED 

1 Closed Forest (~80% CCP)' 

Open Forest (50 -80% CCP) 

Woodland (20 -50% CCP) 

UNIMPROVED PASTURE 

Open Woodland (0.2 -20% CCP) 

Isolated Trees (~0.2% CCP) 

OTHER 

Orchard 

Plantation 

Water 

Barren 

Settlement 

Crops or Improved Pasture 

vA Upper Condamine Floodplain Project Area 

Vegetation data was obtained from the Murray Darling 

Basin Commission (MDBC). The data was interpreted from 

Landsat TM data (1 9894991). No responsibility can be 

accepted by the Department of Natural resources for the 

accuracy of this data. 

@The State of Queensland (Dept of Natutal Resources) 1998 

Produced by Graphics Unit, DNR, Towvoornba September 1998- 

I


ain Pro 

SCALE 1 : 1 050 000 

kilometres 

kilometres 

10 0 10 20 30 

500 to 550 mm Annual Rainfall 

1-1 



]-, CEt- 





11 900 to 1000 mm Annual Rainfall 

1000 to 1 100 mm Annual Rainfall 

1 100 to 1200 mm Annual Rainfall 



Upper Condamine Floodplain Project Area 

@The Shte of Queensland (Dept of Natural Resources) 1998 

Producsd by Graphics Unit. DNR, Towoomba September 1998

APPENDICES 

A 

FLOODPLAIN MANAGEMENT PRINCIPLES 

The Condamine Floodplain is part of the Queensland Murray-Darling Basin. The Upper 

Condamine Floodplain Project and the Brigalow-Jimbour Floodplain Project form a large 

part of the Condamine floodplain and recognise that planning for the sustainable 

management of the natural resources needs to take into account the overall catchment 

strategy and strategic plan of the QMDB. A wide range of floodplain stakeholders 

contributed to the development of broad principles to guide the planning process. 

Performance indicators will fiuther refine these principles and reflect their local 

application. 

The nine principles agreed to are listed below. They are not in any order of priority. 

1 Floodplain planning should be coordinated and involve all stakeholders, including 

the environment. 

2 Natural flowpaths should be maintained, except where alterations are accepted by 

the community and are technically and environmentally sound. 

3 All development should be coordinated across the floodplain and be in accordance 

with best management practices. 

4 Change in flood heights and velocity caused by development should be restrained 

to acceptable levels (linked to performance criteria). 

5 Erosion should be minimised to an acceptable level (linked to performance 

criteria). 

6 Each floodplain holding should have access to a share of overland flow as 

determined by a catchment planning process. 

7 Each holding should be allowed to choose how best to make use of its share of an 

overland flow. 

8 The action or inaction of an individual or group should not impact adversely on 

other stakeholders. 

9 Endeavour to maintain the security of existing investment for both irrigation and 

dryland farms and other stakeholders of the floodplains. 

Definitions 

Outcome - What we want to achieve. 

Principle - Values that underpin the outcome. 

Criteria - Requirements. (Standard by which things can be judged.) 

Guideline - Specific requirements. Options for criteria. Benchmarks. 

Monitoring - Feedback. Gauge how/if we are achieving our outcome. 

Implementation - Onground works to achieve outcome. 

Floodplain Strategy and Strategic Plan

Rwon 

C~ldl~b0n 

Inhsnbus(ure 

Erouon 

---- 

Erosion 1 1 

Famung 

Sy8tams 

Lsgldabon 

Wale1 

Haweabng 

:Ommumcabon 

R~panan 

Envlronmanl 

uplands 

Wator Use 

Slbbon 

Infrastructure 

- -- 

Farming 

Systems 

Legislation 

Water 

Harvesting 

Water Use 

Slilal~on 

Deposn~on 

Water Quality 

Research 

Needs 

Other 

So11 Fertllrly 

Research 

Modelllng 

water Quality r 

Research 1 

Needs 

Other 

So11 Fertllity 

Research 

Modelllng

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