2020-4634 Murray–Darling
Healthy Rivers Program:
Large Grants
Murray–Darling Healthy Rivers Program – Large Grants – Draft activity work plan template
Contents
Template instructions .............................................................................. Error! Bookmark not defined.
Project .................................................................................................................................................................1
Project background ........................................................................................................................................2
Project linkages................................................................................................................................................3
Project outputs, assumptions and monitoring .....................................................................................5
Primary investment theme ................................................................................................................................. 5
Project outcome/s................................................................................................................................................... 5
Investment themes ................................................................................................................................................. 6
Government approvals and permits...................................................................................................... 10
Project deliverables and timeframe ...................................................................................................... 11
Project resourcing and governance ....................................................................................................... 12
Project risks.................................................................................................................................................... 14
Stakeholder engagement and communication .................................................................................. 16
Arrangements post funding ...................................................................................................................... 17
Evaluation and improvement .................................................................................................................. 18
Appendix A: Risk matrix ............................................................................................................................ 19
Appendix B: Program logic........................................................................................................................ 20
Appendix C: Proposed outputs ................................................................................................................ 21
Natural resource management ........................................................................................................................ 21
Economic .................................................................................................................................................................. 21
Tables
Table 1 Applicant and project title ............................................................................................................................ 1
Table 2 Project linkages to relevant plans ............................................................................................................. 3
Table 3 Invest theme – project outputs, Delivery mechanisms, assumptions and rationale, and
monitoring ........................................................................................................................................................................... 6
Table 4 Milestone description .................................................................................................................................. 10
Table 5 Milestone description .................................................................................................................................. 11
Table 6 Key personnel ................................................................................................................................................. 13
Table 7 Risk management plan ................................................................................................................................ 14
Table 8 Stakeholder analysis matrix ..................................................................................................................... 16
Table 9 Evaluation questions ................................................................................................................................... 18
Table A1 Risk matrix.............................................................................................................................. 19
Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment
ii
Murray–Darling Healthy Rivers Program – Large Grants – Draft activity work plan template
Figures
Figure 1 Governance structure ................................................................................................................................ 12
Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment
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Murray–Darling Healthy Rivers Program – Large Grants – Draft activity work plan template
Project
Table 1 Applicant and project title
Applicant
Name/Organisation:
Warrumbungle Shire Council
Project Title:
Castlereagh River Rehabilitation Project
Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment
1
Murray–Darling Healthy Rivers Program – Large Grants – Draft activity work plan template
Project background
This project complements work previously undertaken by Warrumbungle Shire Council and Coonabarabran
Landcare Inc to control woody weed in the riparian zone of the Castlereagh River upstream of the town of
Coonabarabran. Coonabarabran Landcare Inc is currently undertaking fish habitat work in small areas closer to
town in partnership with NSW Department of Education, Warrumbungle National Park Environmental
education Centre (WNPEEC) Coonabarabran Fishing Club and other local businesses.
The aim of this project is to ameliorate the degradation of the instream and riparian habitat of this 2km urban
reach of the Castlereagh River, to restore the biodiversity and health of the insteam and riparian habitats and
to increase the community access and awareness of issues to do with the river ecology and the cultutral
significance of the river.
Coonabarabran Landcare Inc, a key partner of this project has successfully carried out a range of funded and
unfunded projects over 20 years. These include riparian weed control projects funded by NSW Crown Lands
and NSW Fisheries. This project wil build on this previous work and experience and will pull together a team of
trusted experts to undertake this major rehabilaition project, including a a new partner, the Coonabarabran
Elders Group who are endorsing a Cultural Heritage Assessment of the River undertaken by the local Aboriginal
community.
Local shared knowledge indicates degradation of instream habitat, with sedimentation over decades,
exacerbated by the 2013 Wambalong Fire and erosion points at three key locations, upstream and
downstream of the Namoi Street Weir. DPI Fisheries has previously inspected and assessed the Project Area,
showing there was good presence of native aquatic water plants, though little instream woody structures with
one large refuge pool above the Drummond Street Weir. This pool is an important refuge for the local fish and
bird community as proved by its persistence during the last drought. It may require dredging once
rehabilitaition and bank stabilisation has occurred as a result of this project and can be done in kind by Rural
Fire Service.
A key project outcome is to increase community usage of the river front but confining access to a new scenic
footpath outside the riparian zone that will cater for different usage actegories including byicycle, disabled,
jogging and tourism.
Areas along the river dominated by exotic woody vegetation were mapped by the Project Team (below).
Supporting letters from all key partners and support community stakeholders are attached to this document.
Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment
2
Murray–Darling Healthy Rivers Program – Large Grants – Draft activity work plan template
Project linkages
Table 2 Project linkages to relevant plans
Name of plan
Owner of plan
Relevant actions within plan being addressed (include reference where possible)
Brief description of how target will be
addressed
Population structure and management
Habitat use, protection and repair
Conduct presence/absence survey
using EDA,
Community ownership
Map and identify potential habitat
Recovery Plan implementation
Restore fish habitat and passage
(organisation that issued
the plan)
National Recovery Plan for
the Murray Cod
(Maccullochella peelii peelii)
Australian Government
Include species in community
education programs
Conduct fish release
National Recovery Plan:
Australian Government
White Box - Yellow Box Blakely’s Red Gum Grassy
Woodland and Derived
Native Grassland
Identify gaps in survey and mapping data across the predicted distribution of BoxGum Grassy Woodland and engage communities and conduct future surveys to fill
these gaps.
Extent of CEEC will be verified and
mapped and shared with NSW
Government.
Improve baseline knowledge of condition and generate benchmark data against
which sites can be assessed for management actions and cost effectiveness of
revegetation ranked
Condition and species composition will
be unertaklen using NSW biometric
benchmark criteria.
Loss and degradation of
native plant and animal
habitat by invasion of
escaped garden plants,
including aquatic plants Key
Threatening Process
Australian Government
No current Threat Abatement Plan
While currently there is no threat
abatement plan, the actions
undertaken as part of this Project will
assist in the recovery of native plant
and animals communities of the
Castlereagh River affected by escaped
exotic plants
Novel biota and their impact
on biodiversity Threat
Abatement Guidelines
Australian Government
Implement regional and local specific actions required to abate the threats as
outlined in national, state and territory strategies and threat abatement plans
Actions will enhance local biodiversity
and resilience consiostent with
Australia’s Biodiversity Conservation
Strategy (2010–2020)
Actions will control nationally
identified weeds including Willow,
Blackberry and Prickly Pear.
Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment
3
Murray–Darling Healthy Rivers Program – Large Grants – Draft activity work plan template
Name of plan
Owner of plan
Relevant actions within plan being addressed (include reference where possible)
Brief description of how target will be
addressed
(organisation that issued
the plan)
Australian Painted Snipe
Saving Our Species Strategy
New South Wales
Government
Undertake control of exotic weeds and invasive native plants via appropriate
techniques (e.g. burning, grazing, mechanical methods)
Targeted removal of woody weeds and
other exotic plants from reed beds
Black Bittern Saving Our
Species Strategy
New South Wales
Government
Implement riparian restoration activities in areas where the species is
known to occur and in habitat where it is likely to breed
Targeted removal of woody weeds and
other exotic plants from reed beds
Priorities Action Statement Actions for the Southern
Purple Spotted Gudgeon
New South Wales
Government
Advice to consent and determining authorities
Preparation of survey report
Community and stakeholder liaison, awareness and education
Preparation of education materials
Habitat rehabilitation
Survey / mapping
Actions for the enhancement of fish
habitat
Advice to consent and determining authorities
Preparation of survey report
Community and stakeholder liaison, awareness and education
Preparation of education materials
Habitat rehabilitation
Actions for the enhancement of fish
habitat
Priorities Action Statement Actions for Murray-Darling
population of Eel Tailed
Catfish
New South Wales
Government
Survey / mapping
Conduct fish release
Central West and Orana
Regional Plan 2036
New South Wales
Government
Encourage tourism development in natural areas that support conservation
outcomes.
Establishment of nature.pedestrian
track and information boards
Improve the quality of, and access to, information relating to high environmental
value.
Production of educational and
scientific results and material
Minimise the impacts of development on fish habitat, aquaculture, commercialised
and recreational fishing, and waterways (including watercourses, wetlands and
riparian lands) and meet the Plan’s Water Quality and River Flow Objectives.
Enhancement of fish habitat and
riparian environment
Update and share current information on environmental assets and natural
hazards with councils to inform planning decisions.
Undertake Aboriginal cultural heritage assessments to inform local land use
strategies and to identify any appropriate heritage management mechanism.
Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment
4
Preparation of survey report and
education materials
Promote ctions for the enhancement
of fish habitat
Conduct Aboriginal cultural assessment
with local traditional owners
Murray–Darling Healthy Rivers Program – Large Grants – Draft activity work plan template
Project outputs, assumptions and monitoring
Primary investment theme
▪
The conservation and protection of biodiversity (diversity of native plant and animal species), including species and communities listed under the
Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act)
Project outcome/s
Contribute to conservation and recovery of 2 kilometers of river, particularly by restoring aspects of riparian and instream ecosystem function, specifically:
1.
Remove woody and soft-stemmed riparian weeds
2.
Control point sources of erosion
3.
Revegetate riparian areas subject to treatment
4.
Through educational/sceintific activities help raise community awareness and particpation
5.
Improve and control public access by using
6.
Improve and map native fish habitat
7.
Improve knowledge base of river system
8.
Improve waste management
9.
Increase local Aboriginal awareness and participation
Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment
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Murray–Darling Healthy Rivers Program – Large Grants – Draft activity work plan template
Investment themes
Table 3 Invest theme – project outputs, Delivery mechanisms, assumptions and rationale, and monitoring
Investment theme
Total project output
Delivery mechanisms, assumptions and rationale
Monitoring
The conservation and
protection of
biodiversity (diversity
of native plant and
animal species),
including species and
communities listed
under the EPBC Act
•
•
•
Sites will be weeded and revegtated in a
progressional manner along the creek.
As each patch is Sites will be inspected
by Warrumbungle Shire representatives.
•
Eack 3 month period will equate with
500m of river frontage treated on both
sides of the river.
•
Woody debris wil be mulched on site
and re-used where possible to assist in
the rehabilitation processes and nutrient
cycling at the site.
•
Woody species will be the priority,
particularly:
•
•
•
Remove woody and softstemmed riparian weeds
over 15 ha
Revegetate 15 ha of riparian
areas subject to treatment
Improve native fish habitat
and numbers over 5km of
river
Improve knowledge base of
river system
Delivery mechanism
Primary focus of project is to restore a heavily infested section of
Castlereagh River. Undertaken by experienced team who have worked
previously on restoring upper sections of the river. Same team wil
incrementally re-establish native riparian species as work progresses
down the river over the year using tube stock.Maintenance of plants will
be undertaken by local school-groups.
Re-snagging of river at key locations will be undertaken by AusFish. Fish
passage at weirs will be improved.
A comprehensive fish habitat and riparian condition mapping project wil
be undertaken, targeting Purple-spotted Gudgeon and Eel-tail Catfish
habitat. Baseline data will be collected on water and riparian habitat
quality.
•
Broadleaf Privet, Willow, Blacklocust,
Boxelder, Elm, Camphor laurel,
Assumption and rationale
Chinese Tallowwood, Honeylocust,
Green Cestrum, Poplar, Cottoneaster,
River rehabilitation wil continue previous rehabilitation works undertaken
upstream of target area, therefore re-infestation likelihood will be
reduced. Works wil be conducted in a way to prevent bank erosion and
revegetation wil be undertaken incrementally in order to reduce risk of
bank erosion and re-infestation.
•
It is assumed re-snagging of river will be effective at enhancing stream
pooling and in-stream plant growth. Works will be undertaken by
experienced fish ecologists.
Monthly audits will be undertaken to
document area and number of natives
planted.
•
Some large willow will be poisoned
though reained in situ to maintain bank
stability.
•
Data collected will assist evualuate
progress of rehabilitation.
•
Technical reports will be held to stated
timeframes before payment is made.
African box thorn, Tree of Heaven and
Blackberry.
Habitat mapping and will be undertaken by experienced aquatic and fish
ecologists and so little risk of under-achievement.
Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment
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Murray–Darling Healthy Rivers Program – Large Grants – Draft activity work plan template
Investment theme
Total project output
The protection of rivers
or wetlands
•
•
Improve public and control
access over 4km of river
frontage
Improve waste
management over 2km of
river
Delivery mechanisms, assumptions and rationale
Monitoring
•
•
Progress of path construction will be
held to a monthly schedule for
payments of conatrctors to be made.
•
Signage will be installed by the end of
the year.
•
Traps wil be installed by the end of the
year.
Delivery mechanism
Footpath with natural and cultural heritage signage will be installed along
4km of river frontage on the top bank outside the riparian zone.
Three waste traps will be installed to assist with the collection of instream
waste.
•
Assumption and rationale
The footpath is designed to (a) increase wareness of river environment
and its heritage value to the wider community, and (b) to control
usage of the river. Expected outcomes are:
1.
preservation of a beautiful nature reserve with some attention and
funding
2.
an opportunity to open up this reserve to the community through
building a multi purpose trail that would include disability access i.e
wheelchair, mobility devices
3.
an educational resource for schools by having signs located along
the trail indicating things such as natural features, plants, fauna
homes, even restoration measures employed
4.
a place that is accessible for all community members with a vision
to improving physical health as well as mental health
5.
a resource to promote our region, our river to travelers and
tourists
6.
a potential Park Run venue ( a 5km run that is held weekly on a
Saturday and has international following and hence the extra walk
to get somewhere close to the 5km mark) )
7.
and probably most importantly......a place of wellness and
connection for our indigenous community....and indeed for all of
our community
Waste recovery wil be undertaken by local school groups consistent with
current practice.
•
Delivery mechanism
Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment
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Murray–Darling Healthy Rivers Program – Large Grants – Draft activity work plan template
Investment theme
Total project output
Delivery mechanisms, assumptions and rationale
Monitoring
The sustainable
management or
conservation and
enhancement of water
resources
•
Three erosion points have been identified within and upstream of the
main rehabilitation zone. These will be assessed and rehabilitated using
professional engineering services.
•
Improved community
involvement in
restoring the
environmental health
of the Murray–Darling
Basin
• Through
educational/scientific
activities help raise
community awareness and
participation
Control point sources of
ersosion and three problem
areas
•
Assumption and rationale
Impacts of point sources of erosion wil be improved. These areas will be
subject to revegetation post-works. It is assumed works wil imnprove
ersosibn potential of these locations, improving water quality
downstream.
• Increase local Aboriginal
awareness and participation
•
Delivery mechanism
Three community field information days will be held, two by OzFish and
one by Local Land Services, with the local support of Department of
Education and Coonabarabran Landcare Inc. Field days will highlight
objectives of , key conservation issues, well as results when available.
One public field day wil be heald each three
months. Attendees will be asked to fill out a
satisfaction evaluation form.
Under supervision of the Department of Education (Mr Wes Leedham)
local school groups will visit rehabilitation areas and participate in stream
habitat assessments with professional contractors.
Local indigenous traditional owner, and experienced cultural heritage
expert, Merv Sutherland, will conduct a cultural heritage assessment of
the river to identify artefacts, usage areas and traditional animals and
plants. He will supervise and educate at least two local young indigenous
people in unertasking such activities.
All aspects of the overall project will be reported at the concusion to
provide a continual record and resource for the public, authorities and
interested land managers.
•
Assumption and rationale
Day organisers will receive payment for the day, though it is assumed that
volunteers will provide substantial back-up. School site visits wil be done
ona voluntary basis.
Increased economic
activity and
employment in Basin
Contractors will be held to a 6 monthly
work schedule prior to payment.
• 50,000 paid hours worked on
the project
•
Delivery mechanism
All disbursements will be paid through Warrumbungle Shire
Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment
8
•
Murray–Darling Healthy Rivers Program – Large Grants – Draft activity work plan template
Investment theme
Total project output
Delivery mechanisms, assumptions and rationale
communities as a result
of grant funding
• $150,000 on goods spent in
local communities
•
Assumption and rationale
• $550,000 on wages spent in
local communities
• $230,000 on services spent in
local communities
Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment
9
Monitoring
Murray–Darling Healthy Rivers Program – Large Grants – Draft activity work plan template
Government approvals and permits
No approvals are reaquired. Shire Council exempt from applying for approval under water Management Act, as long as actions are consistent with
the intentions of the ac, aprticulalry with respect to activities in ‘waterfront lands’. Professionals undertaling scientific services have the appropriate
qualificatons and permissions.
Table 4 Milestone description
Approval required
Agency responsible for approval
Is approval in place?
(Yes or No)
Add more or delete rows as required.
Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment
10
Estimated date for
gaining approval
(dd/mm/yyyy)
What would happen
to your project if
approval is delayed
or denied?
Murray–Darling Healthy Rivers Program – Large Grants – Draft activity work plan template
Project deliverables and timeframe
Table 5 Milestone description
Activity
Responsibility
Deliverable
1.
Revise and update Activity Workplan
D. Paull
Revised Workplan
2.
3 monthly rehab audit
A. Doolan
Audit report
3.
6 monthly rehab audit
A. Doolan
Audit report
4.
9 monthly audit
A. Doolan
Audit report
5.
12 monthly audit
A. Doolan
Audit report
D. Paull
Final report
6.
Project End
Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment
11
Associated cost
Part of 5 000
admin fee
Estimated start
date
(dd/mm/yyyy)
Estimated end
date
(dd/mm/yyyy)
Murray–Darling Healthy Rivers Program – Large Grants – Draft activity work plan template
Project resourcing and governance
Figure 1 Governance structure
Australian
Government
Warrumbungle
Shire Council
NW Tree
Services,
McEvoys
Department of
Education, Local
Land Services
AusFish,
Stygoecologica,
Ethical Ecology
Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment
12
Indigenous
Community
Murray–Darling Healthy Rivers Program – Large Grants – Draft activity work plan template
Table 6 Key personnel
Name
Organisation
Project role and
responsibilities
Previous and relevant experience, skills & attributes
Wes Leedham
Warrumbungle
National Park
Environmental
Education Centre
(WNPEEC), Dept
of Education
Principal
PRINCIPAL WNPEEC, ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION – WITH SKILLS FOR ALL YEARS K-YR12,
David Paull
Ethical Ecology
Project Admin
30 YEARS EXPERIENCE AS PROFESSIONAL ECOLOGIST
Ambrose Doolan
Warrumbungle
Shire Council
Project Financial
Management
MAYOR WARRUMBUNGLE SHIRE COUNCIL, FARMER
Sam Bragg
NW Tree Services
Leader, rehabilitation
works
QUALIFIED ABORIST, REHABILITATION, HABITAT AUGMENTATION
Steven McEvoy
McEvoys Haulage
Leader, Plant
20 YEAR EXPERIENCE OPERATING PLANT, MAJOR C0ONTARCTOR FOR COUNCIL
Kodi Brady
Warrumbungle
Shire Council,
Councillor
Indigenous liaison
COUNCILLOR WARRUMBUNGLE SHIRE
ENVIRONMENATL IMMERSION
Project Leader
Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment
13
Any other notes
Murray–Darling Healthy Rivers Program – Large Grants – Draft activity work plan template
Project risks
Table 7 Risk management plan
Treated risk level
Risk level before treatment
Risk item and its effect on the objective
of the proposed project
Risk 1: Lack of support from the local
schools and the local community
Risk 2: Funding is insufficient to sustain
project
Risk 3: Participants lose interest/lack of
commitment, impacting the level of
contribution to the project
Risk 4: Data continues to lack scientific
rigour
Likelihood
(Almost Certain/
Likely / Possible
/ Unlikely /
Rare)
Unlikely
Consequence
(Insignificant /
Minor /
Moderate /
Major / Severe)
Major
Possible
Moderate
Medium
Possible
Moderate
High
Possible
High
Medium
Risk Rating
(low / medium /
high / extreme)
Treatment strategies
High
Develop a communication
strategy to ensure correct
channels are adopted to
promote and sustain
interest in the community.
Maintain partner
relationships an din-kind
contributions, apply for
additional funding if
necessary
Implement highly engaging
activities to sustain
interest, provide timely
feedback and training
opportunities to
volunteers, maintain
ongoing presence through
clear communication and
transparency.
Implement a robust data
validation method, and
ensure volunteers receive
adequate training before
Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment
14
Likelihood
(Almost Certain
/ Likely /
Possible /
Unlikely / Rare)
Unlikely
Consequence
(Insignificant /
Minor /
Moderate / Major
/ Severe)
Minor
Risk Rating
(low / medium
/ high /
extreme)
Unlikely
Minor
Low
Unlikely
Minor
Low
Unlikely
Minor
Low
Low
Murray–Darling Healthy Rivers Program – Large Grants – Draft activity work plan template
Treated risk level
Risk level before treatment
Risk item and its effect on the objective
of the proposed project
Risk 5: Equipment lost/stolen/damaged
Risk 6: Partners withdraw
Likelihood
(Almost Certain/
Likely / Possible
/ Unlikely /
Rare)
Consequence
(Insignificant /
Minor /
Moderate /
Major / Severe)
Risk Rating
(low / medium /
high / extreme)
Possible
Moderate
Medium
Unlikely
Moderate
Medium
Treatment strategies
undertaking data
collection.
Train participants in the
proper care and use of
equipment, provide details
on how to report
lost/stolen/damaged
equipment, increase
awareness within the
community to keep a
lookout for any suspicious
behaviour and report any
incidents of theft.
Maintain open and clear
communication channels
with all partners, provide
regular updates about
project progress and
encourage feedback.
Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment
15
Likelihood
(Almost Certain
/ Likely /
Possible /
Unlikely / Rare)
Consequence
(Insignificant /
Minor /
Moderate / Major
/ Severe)
Risk Rating
(low / medium
/ high /
extreme)
Unlikely
Minor
Low
Unlikely
Minor
Low
Murray–Darling Healthy Rivers Program – Large Grants – Draft activity work plan template
Stakeholder engagement and communication
Table 8 Stakeholder analysis matrix
Stakholder group
Role/connection
Benefits of involvement
Level of interest
Level of influence
Level of impact
Department of
Education
Lead role in project,
link to school groups
and field days,
community liaison
High
High
High
Coonabrabran
Landcare Inc
Advisory
Experience with past
ruparina rehabilitation
work
High
High
High
Department of Primary
Indiustries (Fisheries)
Advisory
Fish experts links with
local Fish Club
High
High
High
Deaprtment of Health
Advisory
Community health
professionals
High
Moderate
Moderate
Local Land Services
Advisory, field day
Key land and water
manager
High
High
High
Coonabarabran Local
Aboriginal Land
Council/Elders Group
Adsvisory role, support
cultural heritage
component of prpject
Empower local
Aboriginal community
High
High
High
Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment
16
Murray–Darling Healthy Rivers Program – Large Grants – Draft activity work plan template
Arrangements post funding
•
•
•
Ongoing monirtoring with school groups
Allocation or resources by council for mainatenance
Co-operation with stakeholders to obtain follow-up support, eg. Local Land Service
Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment
17
Murray–Darling Healthy Rivers Program – Large Grants – Draft activity work plan template
Evaluation and improvement
Table 9 Evaluation questions
Key evaluation questions
Describe how this project will ensure
that evaluation questions will be
addressed in a timely and
appropriate manner
Impact
What level of impact has the
project had on the
community?
Warrumbungle Council will
conduct review of the impact
of the project at milestones
and at the end.
Effectiveness
Did the project meet all the
required targets?
Warrumbungle Council will
conduct review of the
efefctiveness of the project at
milestones and at the end.
Efficiency
What part of the project
worked better than others?
Was their value for money?
Warrumbungle Council will
conduct review of the
efficiency of the project at
milestones and at the end.
Appropriateness
How may this type of
community project be
improved for future projects?
Warrumbungle Council will
undertake audit of how well
the project worked in term sof
outcomes and community
involvement and overall
impact – will be an item for
discussion an evaluation at
council meetings.
Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment
18
Murray–Darling Healthy Rivers Program – Large Grants – Draft activity work plan template
Appendix A: Risk matrix
Table A1 Risk matrix
Risk probability
Risk impact
Insignificant
Minor
Moderate
Major
Severe
Low
Medium
High
Extreme
Extreme
Low
Medium
High
High
Extreme
Low
Medium
Medium
High
Extreme
Low
Low
Medium
High
High
Low
Low
Low
Medium
High
Almost certain
Is expected to
occur (up to 90%
chance)
Likely
Will probably occur
in most
circumstances (up
to 70% chance)
Possible
Might occur at
some point (up to
40% chance)
Unlikely
Could occur at
some time (up to
20% chance)
Rare
May occur only in
exceptional
circumstances (up
to 5% chance)
Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment
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Murray–Darling Healthy Rivers Program – Large Grants – Draft activity work plan template
Appendix B: Program logic
Section instructions: Developing a program logic diagram can be useful in helping demonstrate how your project aligns with the program objectives and outcomes and help ensure that the approach, and steps needed to achieve the project outputs and outcomes are clear. The program
logic diagram attached here should reflect and be consistent with the important detail captured elsewhere in this plan. A program logic diagram can also be a useful tool for communicating the project to others.
Developing a program logic diagram can be a useful activity done as a group, with members of the project team, as it ensures that there is a shared understanding about how the project is expected to proceed, and can unearth aspects including assumptions, risks or other factors that
you had not previously thought of. You can use this information to update the relevant sections within this plan.
Develop and attach a program logic diagram consistent with the structure provided at below. For further information and guidance on how to complete program logic diagram, refer to the guidance material found on the MERI page of the National Landcare Program.
Figure B1 Program logic
Aspirational program goal
Longer-term outcomes
Intermediate outcomes
Immediate activities and outputs
Foundational activities
Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment
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Murray–Darling Healthy Rivers Program – Large Grants – Draft activity work plan template
Appendix C: Proposed outputs
Natural resource management
Table C1 Outputs and metrics for natural resource management activities
Activity
Unit
Unit of measure
Weed treatment
15
total new area treated (ha)
Erosion management
1
erosion area treated (ha)
Erosion management
3
length of stream treated (km)
Erosion management
3
total number of erosion control structures installed
Revegetation
15
area of revegetation (ha)
Revegetation
20,000
number of plants planted
Education activities and raising community awareness or participation
500-1000
number of participants (excluding employees)
Education activities and raising community awareness or participation
3 field days, 50
education days
number of community participation and engagement events (for example, field
days, workshops, mentoring)
Education activities and raising community awareness or participation
500
number of new people attending project events or activities
Education activities and raising community awareness or participation
10
number of community groups participating
Access management
4
Length of walking track (km)
Native fish management
2
length of stream re-snagged (km)
Native fish management
10
length of stream habitat mapped (km)
Native fish management
2
Number of fish-friendly weirs
Waste management
0.5
collection of rubbish (tonnes)
Waste management
3
number of gross pollutant traps (trash screen and trash racks) installed
Aboriginal Cultural heritage management
4
Cultural Heritage survey (km)
Economic
Table C2 Examples of outputs and metrics for economic activities
Activity
Unit
Unit of measure
Employment
4
number of young people (15–24 years of age) employed
Employment
2
number of mature aged workers (50+ years) employed
Employment
1
number of people who identify as having a disability employed
Employment
3
number of people who identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander employed
Employment
50,000
total number of paid hours worked on the project (one day is 7.5 hours for each person)
Education
5
number of trainees or apprentices that worked on the project
Volunteering
50-100
number of young people (15–24 years of age) engaged in volunteer activities
Volunteering
20
number of mature aged workers (50+ years) engaged in volunteer activities
Volunteering
5-10
number of people who identify as having a disability engaged in volunteer activities
Volunteering
20-50
number of people who identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander engaged in volunteer activities
Volunteering
10002000
total number of hours volunteered on the project (one day is 7.5 hours for each person)
Economic stimulus
$120,000
total amount on goods spent in local communities
Economic stimulus
$420,000
total amount on wages spent in local communities
Economic stimulus
$354,000
total amount on services spent in local communities
Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment
21
DOC21/1071577
To whom it may concern
As the Director, Educational Leadership - Western Plains Network, NSW Department of
Education, I support the grant for the Murray–Darling Healthy Rivers Program. I understand
this is a joint project between the Warrumbungle Shire Council and its partners and support
organisations, including the NSW Department of Education's Warrumbungle National Park
Environmental Education Centre (WNPEEC).
The NSW Department of Education schools within the Warrumbungle Shire Council are very
excited about the opportunity to involve their students, staff, and community in a fantastic
project that will not only deliver immediate outcomes for our students but well into the future.
The WNPEEC is one of twenty-five NSW Department of Education's Environmental and Zoo
Education Centres' (EZECs), and Coonabarabran is very fortunate to have one located in
their LGA. The WNPEEC has had a long-standing and close relationship with many
Warrumbungle partner schools and many schools further afield. The WNPEEC has played a
pivotal role for many years in improving students and community connection with their
natural environment, ecologically, culturally, and economically. This has led to greater
respect and a passion for conservation.
This grant will provide another opportunity to strengthen our NSW Department of Education
partnership to empower our school learners collaboratively with many other valued
organisations to empower our community.
WNPEEC successfully led and contributed to, many worthwhile projects, and I know that this
project will:
● Encourage a spread of custodianship of the Castlereagh River for students, teachers, and
the community.
● Provide, an experienced means of science deconstruction from researchers to students
and meet many other key learning area outcomes contextual and meaningful.
● Continue improving the Castlereagh River's health and ecological condition and
strengthening our catchment culture of care and compassion.
● Provide programs which cater to our student's individual learning needs.
The NSW Department of Education supports this grant wholeheartedly as this will provide
greater school-based on-ground learning, which will influence our future community's life
choices and education.
Yours sincerely
Chris Jackson
Director, Educational Leadership
Western Plains Principals Network
06 October 2021
NSW DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION – TAMWORTH OFFICE, SCHOOL PERFORMANCE
LEVEL 2, NOEL PARK HOUSE, 155-157 MARIUS STREET, (PO BOX 368) TAMWORTH NSW 2340
 (02) 6755 5035
 ruralnorthtamworth@det.nsw.edu.au
 education.nsw.gov.au
5 October 2021
Chair
Castlereagh Connections Project
Warrumbungle Shire Council
Coonabarabran NSW
Dear Sir / Madam
Western NSW Local Health District (WNSWLHD) Health Promotion is happy to support the
activities proposed by the Castlereagh Connections Project, Warrumbungle Shire Council and their
partners in their application for Healthy River funding for river restoration and increased access for
the public to improved recreational reserves.
The benefits of ‘green spaces’ and the significant contribution to physical, mental and social health
are well documented.
Studies confirm green spaces such as recreational walking tracks and reserves promote physical
activity such as walking and cycling and thus contributes significantly to physical health (eg
reduction in obesity, healthy ageing). There is also evidence that nature-based physical activity
achieves more physical health benefits than equivalent exertion in indoor or constructed settings
(Thompson Coon et al 2011, Barton et al 2016, Frumkin et al 2017).
Long term interaction with green spaces is documented to have a positive effect on mental health. It
is associated with reductions in mental illness, due to the benefits that are perceived or experienced
in terms of improving sleep, relieving stress, and reducing patterns of negative self-thought. These
are all major risk factors for mental illness, especially depression development (Bratman et al 2015).
Experiencing outdoor recreation promotes restoration (eg increased attention, reduced stress and
fatigue) more effectively than other experiences (eg socialising with friends) (Ottosson and Grahn
2005) and has shown to contribute to increased happiness outcomes.
Further studies show a link that the existence of healthy ecosystems has the ability to ‘buffer’ health
effects, (Bratman et al 2012, Jackson et al 2013, Guerry et al 2015, de Jesus Crespo and Fulford
2018). Improvements in health outcomes at the population level are linked to a variety of factors
including access to cleaner water, buffered heat zones and exposure to diverse microbiomes which
all contribute to helping to modulate immunity.
There are less studies on the social benefits of green spaces, but evidence so far draws a relationship
between social interaction within green spaces and social cohesion. (Triguero-Mas et al 2015,
Akpinar et al 2016, Dadvand et al 2016, Sugiyama et al 2016).
.a
WNSWLHD Health Promotion undertakes and encourages the practice of health-based planning as
an integral part of determining action not only by Health but by community organisations and
agencies. Planning and collaborative action is more than ever required at this time, particularly
during recovery from the drought and while dealing with the current COVID-19 response with
increased social isolation.
The Castlereagh Connection Project has potential to have a positive impact on communities along
the Castlereagh river system and contribute greatly to increased population health outcomes in the
Warrumbungle Shire Council area, especially at Coonabarabran, by contributing to a healthier river
environment and improved health outcomes by increasing access to recreational areas along the
river. This type of action also increases the appeal of communities to tourist traffic by providing
attractive areas which encourage travellers to stop and support local communities. This type of
economic support also has a beneficial impact on the health and wellbeing of rural communities.
I wish you success in your funding application. WNSWLHD Health Promotion is happy to support
this exciting project based around Coonabarabran and look forward to seeing the outcomes.
Yours Sincerely,
Lyndal O’Leary
Manager Health Promotion
.a
1 October 2021
Gamilaroi Flying Mice Elders Group
P O Box 280
COONABARABRAN. NSW 2357
RE: Coonabarabran’s 2020-4634 Murray–Darling Healthy Rivers Program
Dear Sir/Madam,
We the members of the Gamilaroi Flying Mice - Aboriginal Elders Group fully support the Warrumbungle
Shire Council’s submission for the funding to support the Murray–Darling Healthy Rivers Program Grant.
This is paramount for the conservation, management of the Castlereagh River with respect to the
important significance of the Castlereagh River with regards to our local people's and the cultural heritage
of the sites in and around the river.
We would like to have signs erected at significant points of the river pertaining to the cultural significance
of these sites to the local people. A walking track would be of significant importance to our people
enabling access to all and important infrastructure for the community.
The aspirations of the local community are to assist in the protection of these sites in and around the
Castlereagh River due to its cultural significance to Aboriginal people. We the local people are very
interested in the preservation of these sites for our young people.
We are excited about the opportunities for education programs and the prospect of the deliverance of
such programs to the local community/schools and conservation in the future. Furthermore, we support a
thorough cultural heritage assessment undertaken by local cultural expert Mr. Merv Sutherland and other
community members. This will prove to be of great value by enriching the other historical information that
we already have within our community.
For our people with ties to this country their culture and their heritage are unique and irreplaceable as we
see ourselves as having a responsibility to protect, preserve and educate others regarding these places of
significance for future generations. We appreciate that this process also provides an important
opportunity for better community participation in the governments Aboriginal heritage conservation
initiatives as well as encouraging a closer working relationship between the local Aboriginal community
and other partners that also support the vision of our local Gamilaroi community.
We look forward to hearing the positive outcome of this grant.
Yours sincerely,
Margaret Robinson
President - Gamilaroi Flying Mice Elders Group
President: Alex Davies
Vice President: Brent Morrissey
Secretary: Grant Wood
Treasurer: Wally Tighe
Re: Warrumbungle Shire Council Murray-Darling Healthy Rivers Grants application. Letter of
Support.
Coonabarabran Fishing Club passionately supports the Castlereagh Community River Rehabilitation
Project
This is an extremely timely and critical project, especially while our area is receiving good seasons.
Coonabarabran Fishing Club has worked actively, over a number of years, on the upper and reaches
of the Castlereagh and downstream between Coonabarabran and Binnaway. The work has improved
fish habitat and riparian biodiversity, native fish stocking and exploring land-holders relationship to
the river. As we approach the town reaches, a whole of community approach will be vital to the
success of further work. At this time, post-drought, there is a higher than usual level of community
interest, including from local government, in improving the river environment. The programme of
community engagement and education proposed here will provide an innovative, well-structured
basis for the sustained attention the river needs, at the same time undoubtedly improving
recreationists health and wellbeing, skills and knowledge.
Working with the Warrumbungle Shire Council, NSW Fisheries, OZFish, Coonabarabran Landcare,
Coonabarabran Gomeroi Elders Group NSW Department of Education's Warrumbungle National
Park Environmental Education Centre recently gives us every confidence of success, and reinforces
our shared vision of our river rehabilitation. Coonabarabran Fishing Club members were thrilled with
the response of school children having first time watercraft experience and responsibility in kayaks
and canoes, experiencing the river from an entirely new perspective, having this initial exposure to
variety of issues which impact our native fish populations. The river, through town, is of course very
much public and yet at the same time full of hidden surprises as well as many weed, waste and
water quality challenges. We believe this programme with the included demonstration fishing
component reach is essential to further open eyes and minds to the problems, solutions and joys of
our waterways.
We do very strongly applaud this application.
Grant Wood
Secretary
“Woodlands”
Newell Highway
COONABARABRAN NSW 2357