TFIP004: Investigation of the impacts of future developments and water management in the Wyong Shire on amphibians and their habitats

Download the project sheet here.

Project Manager

Michael Mahony

Partners

Wyong Shire Council

Aims

We hope this project will form the basis for an external funding application.

Background

Wyong Council works to ensure that its operations and activities are ecologically sustainable. Thus current and proposed activities should not lead to a reduction in environmental values and the quality of live in the future (SOE 2004). The Local Government Act 1993 requires that councils should properly mange, develop, protect, restore, enhance and conserve their local environment. Wyong Shire boasts many environmental assets many of which are in relatively good condition and native vegetation covers about 65% of the shire. Situated on a narrow coastal plain with a backdrop of native forested ranges the shire includes small catchments, a focal lake system, and significant wetlands. However, the environmental trends face considerable challenges with some areas in decline (Wyong SOE 2003). A high urban growth rate poses many difficulties in relation to settlement patterns, light industry and transport and utility corridors. In addition, drinking water supplies are limited and the current drought has brought the stored supply of Wyong and Gosford below 20%. Water harvesting from the underlying aquifer and water imports from the Hunter region are currently being pursued but is recognized these do not offer long term solutions.

The freshwater environments of the shire are under great stress and along with them the long-term survival of the animals and the habitats they rely on.

Project Scope

The objectives of this pilot study are to achieve an adequate understanding of amphibian habitat and population viability;

1) Assess the potential impacts of current planning and water management programs, and
2) Determine the most effective and feasible approaches to offset these impacts.

The following developments are identified as requiring immediate baseline assessment of habitat values.

1) Wyong Employment Zone (East and West of F3)
2) Porters Creek Wetland and Warnervale
3) Bushell’s Ridge
4) Tumbi Umbi wetland
5) Borefield extraction of ground water
6) Increased water harvesting from Ourimbah Creek