Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2015L01818:front:0:p59
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2015L01818
Segment Type: other
Provision Reference: 
Character Range: 170633–173722

and waterholes. Lake Windermere and Lake McKenzie are closed freshwater dune lakes and the largest permanent water bodies in Booderee. Both are characterised by considerable cyclical water-level fluctuations in response to climatic variations over a period of several years.

Alteration to catchment drainage patterns in swamp and wet heath areas can change the structure and composition of vegetation in the park.

Both lakes are used for water supply purposes. Lake Windermere is the water supply for the Jervis Bay Territory and its catchment is located within the park. The lake and its catchment are well protected from disturbance but the impact of water removal on the lake ecosystem is unknown. Water is pumped from Lake McKenzie for watering the Botanic Gardens, with excess water returning by surface and groundwater flow. As well as excessive water extraction, freshwater systems in the park are potentially at risk from excessive use of chemicals and fertilisers and from inappropriate recreational use.

Regulation 12.14 of the EPBC Regulations prohibits water, air and land pollution in the park and Regulation 12.15 prohibits use of a pesticide, herbicide or other poisonous substance in the park unless provided for by this plan.

Issues
    * Off-park activities may affect water quality.

    * There may be a risk to the quality and sustainability of the Jervis Bay Territory's water supply.

Prescriptions

Policies

    6.6.1        Use of chemicals, fertilisers and grasses in public use areas will be minimised to protect water quality and the health of native vegetation.

    6.6.2        Construction activities, including maintenance of roads and tracks and grassed areas, will be planned to minimise, and where possible avoid, impact on watercourses and water quality.

    6.6.3        No artificial surface water interception structures such as dams or weirs will be constructed in the park.

    6.6.4        Swimming, recreational boating, fishing and harvesting organisms in freshwater bodies of the park will not be allowed unless as part of an approved research program (see Section 6.12, Research and monitoring).

    6.6.5        Lake Windermere will be closed to public access in order to safeguard the potable water supply.

    6.6.6        Activities including construction and prescribed burning that have the potential to accelerate sediment flow into Lake Windermere will incorporate necessary mitigation measures.

    6.6.7        Park management activities that potentially disturb catchment drainage systems will be subject to assessment as outlined in Section 9.8, How proposals will be evaluated.

    6.6.8        Water conservation principles will be applied to all water use in and by the park (see Section 9.9, Resource Use in Park Operations).

    6.6.9        Proposals to provide supplementary or alternative supplies of potable water may be considered and any associated works will be subject to assessment under the processes outlined in Section 9.8, How proposals will be evaluated.

    6.6.10    Appropriate research