National recovery plan for the community of native species dependent on natural discharge of groundwater from the Great Artesian Basin
Rod Fensham, Winston Ponder and Russell Fairfax
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- National recovery plan for the community of native species dependent on natural discharge of groundwater from the Great Artesian Basin (PDF - 619 KB) | (RTF - 10.7 MB)
Executive summary
Community
This recovery plan is for the community of native species dependent on natural discharge of groundwater from the Great Artesian Basin.
Conservation status
‘The community of native species dependent on natural discharge of groundwater from the Great Artesian Basin’ (hereafter GAB discharge spring wetlands) is listed as ‘Endangered’ under the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act).
Habitat and distribution summary
GAB discharge spring wetlands are located on the northern, western and southern margins of the Great Artesian Basin in Queensland, New South Wales and South Australia.
Threat summary
The main threats are:
- Aquifer draw-down
- Excavation of springs
- Exotic plants
- Stock and feral animal disturbance
- Exotic aquatic animals
- Tourist access
- Impoundments
Overall objectives
The overall objective of the recovery plan is to maintain or enhance groundwater supplies to GAB discharge spring wetlands, maintain or increase habitat area and health, and increase all populations of endemic organisms.
Summary of actions
The actions required to recover this community include: controlling flow from strategic bores; reviewing historic spring flows; monitoring current spring flows; controlling new groundwater allocations; protecting and managing Category 1 and 2 GAB discharge springs through perpetual agreements; fencing appropriate springs to exclude stock; controlling feral animals; preventing further spread of gambusia and other exotic fauna; studying the interactions between native and exotic fauna; completing an inventory of endemic species in GAB springs; monitoring populations of endemic species; implementing protocols to avoid transportation of organisms from one location to another; re-establishing the natural values of reactivated springs; encouraging landholders to responsibly manage springs; increasing involvement of Indigenous custodians in spring management; raising community awareness of the importance of GAB discharge springs; developing and implementing visitor management plans for selected sites; convening a GAB springs forum; and effectively coordinating and reporting on the recovery program.
Evaluation and review
The plan will be reviewed within five years from adoption as a national recovery plan. Relevant experts will review implementation actions and their effect on the conservation status of the community of native species dependent on natural discharge of groundwater from the Great Artesian Basin.
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