4. Cultural critical services/benefits Cultural critical service/benefit Habitats associated with the Critical Service/Benefit Processes underlying the Critical Service/Benefit Reasons for inclusion as a critical service/benefit 1 Contains Indigenous cultural heritage values The entire site but in particular: River and its waterholes (such as the Corni Paroo) the lakes (Lake Wyara and Lake Numalla) Climatic regime processes such as natural Sedimentation and aeolian processes quality Biological processes This site demonstrates: the application of traditional knowledge and methods of management that maintain ecological character exceptional cultural traditions or records of former civilisations that have influenced the ecological character non-material values such as sacred and ceremonial and their existence is linked with the maintenance of ecological character. 2 Provides for education and research on wetlands All wetlands on the site As above Its diverse wetlands and unique setting.
and ecosystems, Matters of National Environmental Significance). In terms of the wetlands, particular consideration should be made to: The Ramsar management principles (Table 7) and Ramsar wise-use principles; and International treaties for listed migratory bird species that may be associated with wetlands (e.g. JAMBA, CAMBA and RoKAMBA). The Currawinya National Park being listed on the East Asian – Australasian Flyway (EAAF), as an important site along the inland flyway. Table 7. Ramsar Management Principles Management Principle Description 1 Describe and maintain the ecological character of the wetland 2 To formulate and implement planning that promotes conservation of the wetland and wise and sustainable use of the wetland for the benefit of humanity in a way that is compatible with maintenance of the natural properties of the ecosystem 3 Wetland management should provide for public consultation on decisions and actions that may have a significant impact on the wetland 4 Wetland management should make special provision, if appropriate for the involvement of people who: (a) have a particular interest in the wetland; and (b) may be affected by the management of the wetland 5 Wetland management should provide for continuing community and technical Furthermore, as outlined in Schedule 6 of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Regulations 2000, management planning should be done in accordance with the following: At least one management plan should be prepared for each declared Ramsar wetland. A management plan for a declared Ramsar wetland should: (a) describe its ecological character (b) the characteristics that make it a wetland of international importance under the Ramsar Convention (c) state what must be done to maintain its ecological character (d) promote its conservation and sustainable use for the benefit of humanity in a way that is compatible with maintenance of the natural properties of the ecosystem (e) state mechanisms to deal with the impacts of actions that individually or cumulatively endanger its ecological character, including risks arising from (i) physical loss, modification or encroachment on the wetland; or (ii) loss of biodiversity; or (iii) pollution and nutrient input; or (iv) changes to regimes; or (v) utilisation of resources; or (vi) introduction of invasive species; and (f) state whether the wetland needs restoration or rehabilitation
threatened flora and fauna (e.g. every 5-10 years). Periodic counts of breeding and feeding waterbirds with a particular on those listed under Ramsar Criterion 6 (i.e. pink-eared duck; Eurasian coot; black swan; freckled duck; grey teal; sharp-tailed sandpiper; hardhead; Australasian shoveler; banded stilt; red-necked avocet). Flood flows and water quality Installation of flood gauge at Lake Numalla — to determine flow volumes and river heights. Installation of graduated poles in minor lakes (Yumberarra, Karatta and Kaponyee) — to observe depth changes. Salinity, Turbidity, pH, and dissolved oxygen measurements for at full, half and near empty levels (Wyara, Numalla, Yumberarra, Karrata, Kaponyee and permanent waterholes). Examine community structure and condition indicators: - macroinvertebrate composition and abundance; - Ruppia sp. and other macrophyte sampling (in Lake Wyara and Yumberarra); - fish and turtle (species, size classes and abundance) Maintenance of hydrological processes, and flood inflows from the Paroo River system are fundamental to all critical services and habitats. Sedimentation in Lake Wyara Sediment core sampling in the western part of the lake, at the mouth of inlets. Installation of graduated poles near the bird breeding island (to assist depth observations). Conduct bird surveys on the bird breeding island and correlate them with water levels over time. To determine the impact of the extent and rate of sedimentation on bird breeding islands within Lake Wyara. Presence and trends in non-native fish Monitoring of fish populations, and the ratio between native and species. Monitor effects of predation by waterbirds on non-native fish. To ascertain the potential damage/health of aquatic ecosystems; and determine the effect of non-native fish on waterbirds. Communication, education and awareness for the Ramsar