2016
Report from
‘Community Views’
session regarding Toby
Inlet
OUTPUTS REPORT FOR THE CITY OF BUSSELTON
ANDREW HUFFER AND ASSOCIATES, APRIL 2016
ANDREW HUFFFER AND ASSOCIATES | www.andrewhuffer.com.au
Contents
Executive Summary ................................................................................................................................. 2
Introduction ............................................................................................................................................ 4
Methodology........................................................................................................................................... 4
Results ..................................................................................................................................................... 5
Information hub .................................................................................................................................. 5
Values .................................................................................................................................................. 6
Changes ............................................................................................................................................... 6
World café ........................................................................................................................................... 7
Graffiti Wall ......................................................................................................................................... 8
Linkage of data generated to draft management objectives ............................................................. 8
Insights .................................................................................................................................................. 16
Recommendations to leverage the project outputs ............................................................................. 16
Appendices ............................................................................................................................................ 17
Appendix 1. Data from Station 3 - Information Hub ........................................................................ 18
Appendix 2. Data from Station 4 - Participant rating of values ....................................................... 21
Appendix 3. Data from Station 5 - Changes recommended by participants ................................... 22
Appendix 4. Data from Station 6 – World Café workshop sessions ................................................. 23
Appendix 5. Data from Station 7 - Graffiti wall ................................................................................. 27
1
Executive Summary
The ‘Community Views’ session was initiated by the City of Busselton to elicit and understand the
range of community concerns and ideas regarding the management of Toby Inlet.
The ‘open-house’ style session was held in Dunsborough and attended by 57 people. The open
house model incorporated a range of information and input stations, complemented by small,
facilitated workshop sessions.
Participants rated several issues relating to Toby Inlet as being of ‘very high importance’ to them,
including:
•
•
•
•
•
•
Sedimentation (16%)
Amenity (14%)
Water flow (13%)
Water quality (13%)
Toby Inlet mouth (13%)
Ecology (13%)
The workshop sessions held during the event revealed that ‘visual appeal’ was the characteristic that
was most valued by community members. The workshop sessions also revealed that ‘smell’ and
‘siltation’ were the characteristics that were least liked by community members.
The most frequent suggested changes from the workshop sessions related to ‘flow’, ‘water quality’
and ‘ecology’.
Data generated from all the input stations was collated and has been organised into a framework
that links directly to the ‘Issues’ that participants ranked above. This data can be further utilised to
help draft management objectives for Toby Inlet. A broad summary is outlined below.
Issue
Focus For Management
Objectives
Topics For Suggested Management
Actions
SEDIMENTATION
Reduce existing silt levels
•
•
•
Dredge/remove silt
Plant trees
Alter physical structures
AMENITY
Improve amenity by addressing
the smell and visual appeal
•
Improve estuary health
WATER QUALITY
Reduce and manage nutrients
and other pollutants
•
•
Reduce nutrient inflow
Aerate
WATER FLOW
Improve water flow into and
through Toby Inlet
•
Redirect water to increase flow
2
Issues
Focus For Management
Objectives
Suggested Management Actions
TOBY INLET MOUTH
Open mouth of inlet to enhance
water flow
•
•
Open inlet mouth
Manage existing structures
ECOLOGY
Manage inlet to improve
ecological health and habitat for
flora and fauna
•
•
•
•
Use regulatory powers
Restore habitat
Protect wildlife
Undertake research
ACCESS
Provide sustainable access to
Toby Inlet to help people
understand, experience and
value nature-based recreation
opportunities.
•
Increase access options and
partnerships
3
Introduction
The City of Busselton held a ‘Community Views’ session in Dunsborough to elicit the range of
community concerns and ideas regarding the management of Toby Inlet. The session aimed to:
•
•
•
Seek independent community input into the management of Toby Inlet
Generate community-focused data to utilise in the formation of management objectives
Identify of community members interested in maintaining further involvement
This brief report summarises the information generated from the event. This information has been
incorporated within a draft framework that links the priority issues as ranked by participants relating
to Toby Inlet with suggested actions that they identified.
Methodology
An ‘Open House’ style session was held from 4.30pm-8.30pm on Wednesday 30th March and was
attended by 57 people.
The Open House was used to enable participants to get information and provide input in a way that
was comfortable for them. It was a move away from the old-style ‘town hall’ meetings where usually
the loudest voices are the only ones heard.
Seven different ‘stations’ were set up at the venue to ensure participants could:
•
•
•
•
•
Get up to date information regarding the state of the inlet
Ask questions
Communicate their concerns
Talk with other community members
Provide ideas on how the inlet could be managed in the future
Table 1 outlines each of the stations.
Table 1 Description of engagement stations
Station
Purpose
Station 1 - Meet and
greet
Station 2 - Overview
Overview of how the Community Views session operates
Station 3 - Information
hub
Discussion and information from technical experts about:
• The current state of science and drivers of the health of the
Overview of:
• Why the consultation process is being held
• What will happen with the information generated
• How the process fits in with the broader Vasse Geographe
Strategy
• The role of the City of Busselton
4
system
Station 4 - Values
Station 5 - Changes
Station 6 - World Café
Station 7 - Graffiti
Board
Opportunities for participants to provide:
• Information that may assist the future management of the
system
• An indication of what else they would like to know
Confirm participant concerns and priorities to be addressed. A series of
ten posters highlighting issues about Toby Inlet (e.g. water quality) were
placed on a display board.
For each issue shown on the posters, participants could:
• Place a sticky dot on the scale to rate how important it is to them
• Identify any other issue that hasn’t been captured
Participants identified the changes that they would like to see over the
next 10 years. Included the option to either:
• Put ideas on to a ‘post it’ note and place it on the board: OR
• Add ideas using the electronic template on one of the four
laptops
A relaxed and brief group discussion with others regarding what
participants value about Toby Inlet and the changes they would like to
see.
Used this to provide any further ideas or information
Results
A brief summary of the data generated from each of the engagement stations is shown below. All
information generated from Station 3 to Station 7 has been directly incorporated into a draft
reporting framework. The framework aims to connect the key issues (in priority order) with a
broader focus area for future management objectives. It also identifies supporting statements
generated by participants and provides linkage to potential management actions recommended by
participants.
Information hub
Station 3 (S3 Information hub) captured ‘further information’ that participants provided and
questions that they still had. Information provided included:
• Suggestions regarding redirection of water into Toby Inlet
• Observations on changes observed
• Weed and habitat impacts
Questions raised related to:
• Getting more water flow
• Removing sediment
• Nutrient reduction and role of algae
5
A full list of information provided and questions raised is contained within Appendix 1.
Values
Results from Station 4 (S4 Values) identified what community members believe are the most
important issues relating to Toby Inlet
Sedimentation was scored as the issue of highest concern. Sixteen percent (16%) of total votes
classed this issue as ‘very important’. This was closely followed by:
•
•
•
•
•
Amenity (14%)
Water flow (13%)
Water quality (13%)
Toby Inlet mouth (13%)
Ecology (13%)
Outcomes from 30th March 2016 Community Views
Evening
18%
16%
14%
12%
10%
8%
6%
4%
2%
0%
% of total
votes classed
this issue as
Very Important
This reinforces scoring from the June 2015 workshop, with ‘amenity’ scoring higher in 2016 (14% of
total votes classed as ‘high priority’ compared to 6% of total votes in 2015).
Appendix 2 provides a tabulation of participant prioritisation of values.
Changes
Changes (S5) recommended by participants related to:
• Redirection of storm water and runoff to increase flow into Toby Inlet
• Revegetation and habitat protection
• Aeration
• Nutrient management
Appendix 3 lists all recommended changes.
6
World café
Small workshops (World Café) sessions (S6) held during the event revealed that ‘visual appeal’ was
the characteristic that was most valued by community members.
'Best Things' about Toby Inlet
10
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
0
Visual appeal
Wildlife
Fish habitat
History
Activities
The World Café sessions also revealed that ‘smell’ and ‘siltation’ were the characteristics that were
least liked by community members.
'Worst Things' about Toby Inlet
6
5
4
3
2
1
0
The most frequent suggested changes from the World Café sessions related to ‘flow’, ‘water quality’
and ‘ecology’.
7
Changes from World Cafe Sessions
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
0
Appendix 4 provides a tabulation of outputs from the World Café sessions.
Graffiti Wall
The ‘graffiti wall’ (S7) was used as a final, informal mechanism to seek input from community
members.
Topics posted on the graffiti wall related to:
•
•
•
•
Changes observed – “There used to be little streams 25 years ago. They have all been filled
in and the birds and vegetation suffers.”
Improving flow – “Revert or reverse the drainage by closing Station Gully Drain and reflooding the wetlands”
Information needed – “Would we have to treat the dredged material or could we use it to
cover rubbish at the Vilder Road tip?”
Funding options – “Negotiate a commercial partnership or sponsorship with Wyndham
Resort in exchange for tours offered to guests.”
Appendix 5 lists all ideas posted on the graffiti wall.
Linkage of data generated to draft management objectives
Data has been reported as written by participants and coded according to the ‘station’ it was
provided at (e.g. S5 = Station 5 – Changes). It has been organised into a framework that links directly
to the ‘Issues’ that participants ranked at Station 4 (Values). When combined with further
information from the consultation process (interviews, science reference group and Aboriginal
consultation) this data can be utilised in drafting management objectives for the data has been
included as either:
(i)
(ii)
‘ Supporting statements (for data that is either an expression of an opinion, experience
or value); OR
‘Suggested management actions’ (for data that was expressed as a recommendation or
action to implement). Brief descriptors (in italics) have been included for groupings of
similar suggested management actions.
8
Table 2 Linkage of data to issues for development of draft management objectives
ISSUES
FOCUS FOR MANAGEMENT
OBJECTIVES
SUPPORTING STATEMENTS
SUGGESTED MANAGEMENT ACTIONS
SEDIMENTATION
Reduce existing silt levels
Siltation began 1940's- 1950's - coincided
with more clearing, resulting in gross inflow
of sediment in the inlet. (S3)
Dredge/remove silt
Need to stir up the sediment and flush it
out. Could use windmills or an annual
powerboat race. (S7).
Because of the black ooze, when it's
exposed it's acidic and toxic... LOOK FOR
some answers taken from BHP Beenup
Plant. (S3)
In 2003 I had dinghies (with motors) coming
past m y block, now the pelicans are hitting
the bottom due to major silting movement
(Geographe Bay Rd, Quindalup.) (S7).
Why don’t we try to dredge part of Toby
Inlet and assess the effect on the water
way? (S5)
Dredge or clean out to remove silt (S6)
Plant trees
Work with farmers to reduce fertiliser use,
encourage strategic tree planting to reduce
sedimentation (S5).
Alter physical structures
Remove bund wall across Toby opposite
Quindalup Siding Road (put in by Water
Authority and never removed) causing
build-up of sediment from there upstream
AMENITY
Improve amenity by addressing
the smell and visual appeal
Improve the estuary health and more
people will use it. (S5)
Stagnant water - need fish in there to eat
mosquito larvae (S6)
9
ISSUES
FOCUS FOR MANAGEMENT
OBJECTIVES
SUPPORTING STATEMENTS
SUGGESTED MANAGEMENT ACTIONS
WATER QUALITY
Reduce and manage nutrients and
other pollutants
We’re concerned about the poor water
quality of the Inlet (S3)
Reduce nutrient inflow
Manage all phosphates, nitrates, herbicides
and pesticides from Dunsborough Lakes
(S3).
Improve dairy farm effluent management
(S3).
Capture runoff into retention ponds with
nutrient stripping vegetation (S5).
Review function of lakes in Dunsborough
Lakes - can the function of these (nutrient
stripping) be improved (S5).
Extend sewerage system (S6).
Water from golf course needs to be
redirected elsewhere due to toxicity,
chemicals and fertilisers (S6).
Minimise nutrient inflow (S6).
Aerate
Aerate the water in Toby Inlet and use
windmills to reduce cost of aeration. (S5)
Aerate the water (S6).
10
ISSUES
FOCUS FOR MANAGEMENT
OBJECTIVES
SUPPORTING STATEMENTS
SUGGESTED MANAGEMENT ACTIONS
WATER FLOW
Improve water flow into and
through Toby Inlet
Big rainfall issue here, the land takes so
much but no runoff, land not getting soaked
to make it run. (S3)
Redirect water to increase flow
The Annie Brooke drain should flow further
north towards the Wyndham Resort and
Toby’s should open to the ocean at the
northern end behind resort where it
naturally drained in the past. (S3)
A combination of lower annual rainfall and
private dams in the catchment area,
particularly the lakes golf course has
resulted in a massive reduction of runoff
into Toby Inlet. (S3)
Needs to be pipes on Quindalup Siding Road
, near X-Adventure, to move the water or
else builds up as a winter lake. (S3)
Redirect stormwater and overflow from
Lakes development and golf course. (S5)
Redirect winter creek running through
Dunsborough into Toby's (S5)
Divert water from farm side of Caves Road
under Caves Road and into Toby Inlet (S6)
We need a head of water upstream as far
back as the Carbanup River. (S7).
11
ISSUES
FOCUS FOR MANAGEMENT
OBJECTIVES
WATER FLOW
SUPPORTING STATEMENTS
SUGGESTED MANAGEMENT ACTIONS
Redirect water to increase flow (cont.)
Revert or reverse the drainage by closing
Station Gully Drain and re-flooding the
wetlands. Buy land north of Vasse
Dunsborough Link Road alignment. Would
result in:
•
•
TOBY INLET MOUTH
Open mouth of inlet to enhance
water flow
Water bird habitat
Fresh groundwater recharge to limit
salt intrusion
• More water entry from western end
of Toby’s
• Biofiltering of water into Toby’s and
the bay (S7).
Open inlet mouth
The inlet needs to stay open (x 2
comments). (S3)
Open mouth (x4 comments) (S6)
Permanent mouth opening (S7)
Manage existing structures
Sluice gate in for wrong reasons? Review
how this works for todays’ outcome. (S3)
12
ISSUES
FOCUS FOR MANAGEMENT
OBJECTIVES
SUPPORTING STATEMENTS
SUGGESTED MANAGEMENT ACTIONS
ECOLOGY
Manage inlet to improve
ecological health and habitat for
flora and fauna
House owners backing on to Toby Inlet
habitually strip reeds and vegetation
because they are afraid of snakes. This
directly affects the health of the Inlet. (S3)
Use regulatory powers
People living directly on Toby Inlet keep
removing the reeds near the water/riparian
zone and this is impacting on water ecology.
They should/could have fines implemented
to stop people ripping out these reeds. (S3)
There's a new bad weed...Hydrocotyle
bonariensis (Pennywort) - looks like Centella
asiatica. (S3)
Go with natural restoration. (S5)
We want crabs and fish back in Toby Inlet
(S7).
Development right up to the bay has
affected the ecology. There used to be little
streams 25 years ago. They have all been
filled in and the birds and vegetation
suffers. (S7).
It seems that people really care about
ecology in Toby Inlet by that we don’t know
a lot about it. We should. It’s important for
water quality, recreation and human values.
(S7.)
Fine people who damage the vegetation.
(Identify a setback distance to maintain
vegetation) (S6).
Restore habitat
Build/rehabilitate wetlands next to
Quindalup siding road, encourage birds. (S3)
Revegetation and restoration of drains to
support 'river' functions of cleaning water
and reducing sediment. (S5).
Protect vegetation in order to protect
ecology - birds, frogs, fish (S6).
13
ISSUES
ECOLOGY
FOCUS FOR MANAGEMENT
OBJECTIVES
SUPPORTING STATEMENTS
SUGGESTED MANAGEMENT ACTIONS
Protect wildlife
Sewerage will be installed along GB RoadQuindalup subdivision. Is seen as the next
development by real estate! This should not
be allowed as it means all trees will go and
wildlife habitat compromised especially
WRT (Western Ring Tailed?) Possum (S4).
To preserve our quenda population we
could limit the introduction of any new
domestic cats to the area. (S5).
Need habitat to protect Quenda including
signage and fencing (S6).
Undertake research
Carry out a study to see if there are any
crabs and other marine life that spawn in
the inlet (S3)
Look at what works in management of
South Coast estuaries (S6)
14
ISSUES
FOCUS FOR MANAGEMENT
OBJECTIVES
ACCESS
Provide sustainable access to
Toby Inlet to help people
understand, experience and value
nature-based recreation
opportunities.
SUPPORTING STATEMENTS
SUGGESTED MANAGEMENT ACTIONS
Build community value of Toby's - walking
tours, school engagement. (S5)
Negotiate a commercial partnership or
sponsorship with Wyndham Resort in
exchange for tours offered to guests. (S7).
Provide observation posts when traffic
diversion is completed (S6).
OTHER - GOVERNANCE
Land tenure and governance
structure is clear
It is good that there is now an overall cross
agency task force looking at this. (S5)
Planning requirements for storm water
management demands it is kept on the pp.
(S5)
City of Busselton to take more responsibility
(S6)
Improve coordination of management (S6)
‘Special area’ rates for land owners
surrounding (or in catchment) to fund
‘Friends Group’ or improvements by City of
Busselton. (S7)
15
Insights
Debriefs held with the project team as well as attendee feedback indicated that the layout of the session
enabled the project team to meet its objective of seeking input from participants and answering their
questions. The layout utilising a number of information and input stations was particularly valuable in
helping overcome dominance by individual stakeholders that often occurs during group presentations and
public meetings.
Attendees were able to:
•
•
•
Discuss or browse the topics of information of greatest interest;
Have their questions answered by staff in individual discussions; and
Participate in a calm and non-threatening atmosphere.
Other strengths of the sessions were:
•
•
•
•
•
The expertise of City of Busselton, Department of Water, Geocatch and Busselton Water staff in
the subject matter;
Time available for attendees to gain quality information and build relationships with staff;
Opportunities for staff to gain a stronger understanding of the attendees concerns and opinions;
The social aspects of food, tea & coffee enabled attendees to relax;
Building a contact list for provision of information in future.
Recommendations to leverage the project outputs
To maximise value from this consultation process it is recommended that the City of Busselton:
•
•
•
•
•
•
Make this report available to attendees and interested stakeholders via the CoB website and
attendee email list
Distribute the report to key stakeholders such as GeoCatch, Department of Water and Busselton
Water
Use the ‘infograph’ supplied in its social media and promotions to direct other stakeholders to the
report
Clearly identify the next steps in the consultation process
Identify, promote and facilitate the options for maintaining stakeholder involvement
Seek feedback from attendees and other interested stakeholders on outputs such as draft
management objectives that are developed as a result of the overall consultation process.
16
Appendices
17
Appendix 1. Data from Station 3 - Information Hub
What was – the historical view of Toby Inlet
Long held theory (that) agriculture development (was) very slow (and) initially difficult with
clearing. Siltation began 40's/50's - coincided with more clearing, heavy machinery, chains,
etc. had a bigger clearing impact, resulting in gross inflow of sediment in the inlet. Now it's all
settled down, it all happened prior. Why blame urban developments?
I've been coming since 1947 on holidays at Dunsborough boat ramp. Then Toby Inlet was a
great whiting bream fishing spot. Started to notice changes 30 years ago as a gradual change.
There was a pipeline built by the Water Corporation that went through Toby Inlet. It was
supposed to be dredged but remained on the surface and now silt is building up on it.
The road by x factor, the water supply are pumping water from there, all Dunsborough water
used to come from there.
The way we see it is that a combination of Lower annual rainfall and private dams in the catchment area,
particularly the lakes golf course has resulted in a massive reduction of runoff into Toby Inlet. Is the
installation of these dams regulated? We live on Geographe Bay Road, Quindalup and the property has
used bore water for gardens since 1967. The bore had been installed into an underground stream which
has now dried up.
What is – the current state of Toby Inlet
We have created the problem so we should fix it. Development silted the estuary so dredging
is a solution.
There's a new bad weed...Hydrocotyle bonariensis (Pennywort) - looks like Centella asiatica.
Nutrient accumulation does NOT appear to be a relevant factor given the minimal algae
growth at this time of year.
House owners backing on to Toby Inlet habitually strip reeds and vegetation because they
are afraid of snakes. This directly affects the health of the Inlet.
People living directly on Toby Inlet keep removing the reeds near the water/riparian zone
and this is impacting on water ecology. They should/could have fines implemented to stop
people ripping out these reeds.
Are farms are holding water back on their farms?
Big rainfall issue here, the land takes so much but no runoff, land not getting soaked to make
it run
18
Because of the black ooze, when it's exposed it's acidic and toxic... LOOK FOR some answers taken from
BHP Beenup Plant
Surely it’s an agricultural issue not a development issue
Rubbish tip is close by no long haul distance (for sediment removal?)
The way we see it is that a combination of lower annual rainfall and private dams in the catchment area,
particularly the lakes golf course has resulted in a massive reduction of runoff into Toby Inlet. Is the
installation of these dams regulated?
We’re concerned about the poor water quality of the Inlet
Mosquitos were present in October last year
What could be – what’s possible for Toby Inlet
The Annie Brooke drain should flow further north towards the Wyndham Resort and Tobys
should open to the ocean at the northern end behind resort where it naturally drained in the
past. Malcolm mentioned that the modelling team will contact Brian to discuss this option.
This would also remove the dead water at northern end of Tobys.
The inlet needs to stay open
The Inlet (should) remain open at its Ocean entrance all year round
Needs to be pipes on Quindalup Siding Road , near ‘Xscape at the Cape’ to move the water or
else builds up as a winter lake
Improve the estuary health and more people will use it
Sluice gate in for wrong reasons? Review how this works for todays’ outcome
Main thing is to keep the ends open, let the sea in
Manage all phosphates nitrates herbicides and pesticides from Dunsborough Lakes
Improve dairy farm effluent management
Build/rehabilitate wetlands next to Quindalup siding road, encourage birds
Leave the inlet closed and let nature take its course
A study should be carried out to see if there are any crabs and other marine life that spawn in the inlet
19
Questions
How do we get more water flow?
Can a groyne be built at the inlet to keep it open and to ensure more depth at the entrance? Would that
increase water flow and flushing? Can the drain at the entrance be diverted to behind Palmers near Elmore
Rd to increase water flow?
Do we need to accelerate the dairy effluent program?
What to do about the sediment if you decide to dredge, is it suitable for overlay in the rubbish tip?
How do we flush it - mechanically, dredging excavator or divert water in a westerly direction back through?
Believe it's a combo of both - we need to learn how to deal with the acid sulphate soils we might create.
Money is some of the problem ... can it be fixed without water coming through the system?
Why hasn't all runoff from Dunsborough Lakes been directed directly to solution? Get it right away from
Toby Inlet.
Why has so little been done?
What is the life cycle/role of algae, can it be used by something else?
20
Appendix 2. Data from Station 4 - Participant rating of values
Table 3 Participant rating of Toby Inlet issues
Toby Inlet Mouth
Very important
Important
Somewhat important
35
1
1
Recreation
Accessibility
16
6
8
Amenity
7
10
8
34
2
Flood
Ecology
10
3
6
Sedimentation
34
2
Heritage
41
9
9
6
Water quality
Water flow
33
3
35
21
Appendix 3. Data from Station 5 - Changes recommended by participants
22
Appendix 4. Data from Station 6 – World Café workshop sessions
Table 4 Participant descriptions of the 'best things' about Toby Inlet
Nice to look at (when water is in)
Attraction for wildlife in sections where there is water
Fauna is beautiful
Beautiful when it's running
Used to see lots of kingfish, mullet etc
Boats and ships were able to sail up there and load timber etc
Visual appeal - especially when flushed out in winter
Seeing mist on water in morning
Lots of birdlife
Kayaking
Visual appeal
Visual appeal
Visual appeal
Fishing
Kayaking
Birdlife
Visual amenity
Clear water
Crabs and mullet returning
Kayaking
History
TOTAL
Visual appeal
1
Wildlife
Fish habitat
History
Activities
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
9
4
2
2
4
23
Table 5 Participant descriptions of the 'worst things' about Toby Inlet
Poor
visual
appeal
Not nice to look at when water is low (up the inlet)
Wildlife
affected
Smell
Fish
habitat
degraded
Poor
water
quality
Recreatio
n
affected
Siltation
Low/no
flow
Weeds
Vegetati
on
impacts
1
Wildlife lost from some areas where water levels have been most affected
1
Smell
1
Too low to use for canoeing and kayaking
1
No crabs or quality fish
1
Poor water quality
1
Algal blooms?
1
Smell
1
Stagnant water
1
Siltation
1
Drain diversion and gate has stopped flushing
1
Introduction of exotic plants from gardens
1
Stagnant water - need fish in there to eat mosquito larvae
1
Its health
Silting
1
Low tide it stinks
1
Smell from sediment
1
Vegetation stripped to waterfront as residents are scared of snakes
1
Grass clippings thrown in by residents
New weed - Hydrocotyle bonarienis. An outbreak is on the bike path 0.5km
west of Station Gully Drain.
1
1
Silting
1
Smell
1
Silting
1
Chinese' bridge looks ugly and appears unsafe
TOTAL
1
1
5
1
2
1
4
3
2
2
24
Table 6 Participant descriptions of the 'changes needed' at Toby Inlet
Flow
WQ
Mouth
Dredge or clean out to remove silt
Sedimentatio Recreation
n
Amenity
Ecology
Management
1
Open mouth into the sea
1
Divert water from farm side of Caves Road under Caves Road and into Toby
Inlet
1
Increase flow
1
Water from golf course needs to be redirected elsewhere due to toxicity,
chemicals and fertilisers
1
Aerate the water
1
Cleaned up with tidal flow
1
Open up regularly for health reasons (stop stagnant water and disease)
1
More volunteer participation in community projects
1
Provide observation posts when traffic diversion is completed
1
Look at what works in management of South Coast estuaries
1
More freshwater into Toby Inlet
1
Flushing needs to be able to happen
1
Can sand dredged from inlet have a commercial use (e.g. mineral sand
extraction)?
25
Extend sewerage system
1
Need habitat to protect Quinda including signage and fencing
1
Consider opening mouth as interim measure
Make it deeper
1
1
Deeper mouth to increase water flow
1
When opening mouth of inlet, please make a larger opening for water flow
1
Fine people who damage the vegetation. (Identify a setback distance to
maintain vegetation)
1
Protect vegetation in order to protect ecology - birds, frogs. Fish
1
Increase water flow
1
City of Busselton to take more responsibility
1
Revegetate
1
Minimise nutrient inflow
1
Improve coordination of management
1
Identify what the mud consists of - is it safe or toxic?
Maximise habitat
1
Balance weed control vs retention of vegetation
1
Have a realistic view - can’t return it to pristine condition
TOTAL
6
6
4
1
1
1
6
3
26
Appendix 5. Data from Station 7 - Graffiti wall
Changes observed
Development right up to the bay has affected the ecology. There used to be little streams 25 years ago.
They have all been filled in and the birds and vegetation suffers.
In 2003 I had dinghies (with motors) coming past m y block, now the pelicans are hitting the bottom due to
major silting movement (Geographe Bay Rd, Quindalup.)
Improving flow
Can water from the farm side of Caves Road be redirected into Toby Inlet?
Permanent mouth opening
Revert or reverse the drainage by closing Station Gully Drain and re-flooding the wetlands. Buy land north
of Vasse Dunsborough Link Road alignment. Would result in:
•
•
•
•
Water bird habitat
Fresh groundwater recharge to limit salt intrusion
More water entry from western end of Toby’s
Biofiltering of water into Toby’s and the bay
Need to stir up the sediment and flush it out. Could use windmills or an annual powerboat race. Form run
off to flush it out
We need a head of water upstream as far back as the Carbanup River.
More information needed
Why is nothing being done about Hydrocotyle bonarienis? An outbreak is on the bike path 0.5kkm west of
Station Gully Drain.
It seems that people really care about ecology in Toby Inlet by that we don’t know a lot about it. We
should. It’s important for water quality, recreation and human values.
If we dredged Toby Inlet would we have to treat the dredged material or could we use it to cover rubbish
at the Vilder Road tip?
Funding options
‘Special area’ rates for land owners surrounding (or in catchment) to fund ‘Friends Group’ or improvements
by City of Busselton.
Negotiate a commercial partnership or sponsorship with Wyndham Resort in exchange for tours offered to
guests.
Can sedimentation from clearing and erosion be slowed and reduced? Is it possible to flush out existing
accumulated sediment – or is it here forever
Changes wanted
We want crabs and fish back in Toby Inlet
27