05/11/04 Parliamentary issue.

The following was in response to the 'CCSA Briefs' article, for which I am most pleased that I strongly protested about the removal of reference to fish and native aquatic vegetation in the initial draft... The following may be found at (add both lines to form complete URL):

http://www.sa.democrats.org.au/html/odules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=353

The Ewens Ponds issue was raised in State Parliament on the 12th October by the Democrat the Hon. SANDRA KANCK: "Eight Mile Creek is a vital part of the greater Ewen's Ponds system. In order to lower the watertable to enable the conversion of the surrounding wetland to dairy pasture, drains were run into Eight Mile Creek some 40 years to 50 years ago. To facilitate the drainage, dredging of the creek began. The South-Eastern Water Conservation and Drainage Board continues this practice today".

"The Conservation Council describes Eight Mile Creek as being the most significant freshwater creek in the South East due to its biodiversity and beauty. The council's August E Brief states: . . many of the fish that live in Eight Mile Creek, including the Ewen's pygmy perch, the Yarra pygmy perch, the Galaxias and the Australian Grayling, are listed as `vulnerable' nationally'. There is also damage caused to the native aquatic vegetation from the dredging, as well as the damage caused by the in-flow of nutrients and/or salt".

"My questions to the minister are: 1. Have studies have been conducted, and what are they, to ascertain the feasibility of draining the adjacent land through means that do not interfere with this natural environment? 2. If so, what are the recommendations of those studies? 3. If not, will the minister commit to undertaking such a study?".

The Hon. T.G. ROBERTS (Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Reconciliation): "I will refer those important questions to the minister in another place and bring back a reply. The creek is an unusual watercourse in that, as wet as the lower South-East gets, no natural creeks flow east-west: it is all done by artificial drainage. Competitive use of land between horticulturalists and graziers is a big issue, and constantly there are arguments about the rate at which the lands should be drained to make the water available for agriculture, horticulture or grazing. Those competitive issues have flared up from time to time, and I have certainly been down there with the dairy farmers to discuss some of the flooding issues that they experience, but I am also aware that there has to be a balance between the environment and agricultural and horticultural use that needs to be constantly monitored. There has been a lot of cooperation between environmentalists and land users down there and I hope that that will continue. I will refer the questions to the minister and bring back a reply".

Letter by Neville Skinner.

Dredging of Eight Mile Creek; Author : N. R. Skinner, October 2004 (abridged).

I first snorkelled Eight Mile Creek on 13th July 2003 with dive buddy Daniel Habib. It was raining heavily at the time but we were there to enjoy the experience and this did not bother us. We had both heard how stunning Eight Mile Creek was, all the way to the sea. We parked one car at the mouth for the return journey, and then headed off to Ewens Ponds for the start of the experience. The following article describes what we saw on that dive, and some aspects of the environmental history of the Eight Mile Creek/Ewens Ponds system. You will find this an enlightening, and possibly disturbing article…

Eight Mile Creek is a 4.4 kilometre connection from Ewens Ponds to the sea. The name 'Eight Mile Creek' derives from the creeks location eight miles to the east of Port MacDonnell. Eight Mile Creek is a critical part of the greater Ewens Ponds system, carrying something in the order of 150 mega-litres of water to the sea each day from the Ponds (57 Giga litres per year or 1.8 m3 per second).

Ewens Ponds are a series of freshwater ponds, formed by subterranean water rising from a series of springs. These springs continue down Eight Mile Creek toward the sea. Ewens Ponds are fairly large, each extending to a depth of about 9-12m, and they spread over a distance of around 300-400m. They are interconnected by narrow channels. At one stage the third Pond contained a cave; today only the remnants of the cave remain. Apparently, 30-40 years the pond was virtually destroyed by explosives during fishing for Short finned Eels. Ewens Ponds, their interconnecting channels, and Eight Mile Creek provide excellent snorkelling and scuba diving. The crystal clear waters provide unlimited visibility and contain many species of fish. Enthusiasts can visit the area all year around to admire the exquisite beauty; provided by stunning native aquatic vegetation of various shades of greens and yellows, intermingling with the blues of the water, the browns & whites of the substrate, and the natural sunlight. In July 2003 about half the way down Eight Mile Creek, that this stunning beauty was suddenly and dramatically turned to silty water, green with suspended algae (History 27/07/03 ).

Photos: Eight Mile Creek before dredging - above & below surface (N.Skinner)

After some investigation, involving the Dept of Environment, the EPA, and the SA Minister (for the Environment) John Hill, who was very helpful in seeking answers on this issue from his department's), It was found that the damage was the result of maintenance activities conducted by the SE Water Conservation & Drainage Board.

Shortly after the second world war (1942-45) the area was set aside as land for use by 'Soldier Settlers', and drains were created that ran into Eight Mile Creek, as well as directly to the sea, in order to lower the water table. This was to convert the surrounding wetlands into dairy farms. About 1956, the lower section of Eight Mile Creek was widened to further improve the drainage. During these maintenance activities a dredge is pulled up & down the creek for two days until the creek is free of native aquatic vegetation. Dredging occurs once or twice a year, usually when the dairy framers believe their paddocks are not effectively drained.

A plaque at the entrance to Ewens Ponds marks the pre-drainage water level, which is approx two metres above today's level. Apparently until recently few people were concerned with this decrease in the water table. Indeed, up until about 2001 Eight Mile Creek was dredged all the way from the sea to the Ewens Ponds Conservation Park boundary.

In addition to plants, the ponds and the creek provide habitat for many rare fish. These include the protected Southern Pygmy Perch and the protected (and threatened) Ewens Pygmy Perch. The Southern Pygmy Perch can be found amongst the vegetation that grows in the creek, as they are not strong swimmers, while the Ewens Pygmy Perch has a unique preference for strongly flowing water. The Ewens Pygmy Perch is only found in a very small area of the lower South East of South Australia, and in the Glenelg River system in Victoria.Listed amongst the fish that are known to inhabit Eight Mile Creek are Common Galaxias, Spotted Galaxias (vulnerable), Southern Pygmy Perch (protected & rare in SA), Variegated (Ewens) Pygmy Perch (protected & endangered in SA), Congolli (rare in SA), River Blackfish (protected & endangered in SA), Short finned Eel (rare in SA), Small mouthed Hardhead, Australian Grayling (critically endangered in SA), Pouched Lamprey (endangered in SA), Shorthead Lamprey (endangered in SA), and the native freshwater Spiny Crayfish.

Photo: Eight Mile Creek where departs Ewens Ponds (N.Skinner)

In a comprehensive report (2) in 2002, into the health of the South Australian environment, described Eight Mile Creek as "the only significant river in the whole region". It went on to state: "All of the South Australian fish species which are officially designated as 'Rare', 'Vulnerable', 'Endangered' are freshwater species. Since 1988 an additional 15 species have been recorded for the State and a further 3 species have been rated as extinct (DELM 1993). Another section says: "There is an urgent need for a state-wide wetlands policy in South Australia, as has been developed in New South Wales, Victoria and Western Australia (DELM 1993). Wetland management in South Australia is uncoordinated." A review (3) in 2002-3 into the status of species in South Australia, placed six out of the above eleven fish species known to habitat Eight Mile Creek, on a list of seventeen fish that are to have their status elevated to 'Endangered' in SA; each of these are to have "Recovery Plans" (3) drawn up for. Therefore about 30% of the endangered fish species in SA are known to inhabit Eight Mile Creek; these being the Ewens Pygmy Perch, the River Blackfish, the Pouched Lamprey, the Short-headed Lamprey, and the Australian Grayling. Meantime, the Southern Pygmy Perch has been identified as Endangered in the Murray and Mt Lofty Ranges. Up to 50% of the South Australians 58 fish species are threatened, and surprisingly no action plans have been established.

Of the fish known to inhabit Eight Mile Creek, only the River Blackfish, the Spiny Lobster, the Ewens Pygmy Perch and the Southern Pygmy Perch are listed as a Protected Species in SA. This limited protection is confirmed by the Dept of Environment & Heritage website (6), where in paragraph 5.3.5: "No specific threatened species legislation in the form of an Act currently exists in South Australia. However, it is possible that legislation to protect biodiversity may be proposed soon." Among others, organisations such as Native Fish Australia offer expertise in the conservation of fresh water fish. Even now further threats to the conservation of the Ewens Pond system are emerging. In April 2003, the 'SE Catchment Water Management Board' met at Kingston, where a report, following a study funded by the Limestone Coast Regional Development Board, into harvesting water from Eight Mile Creek for industry was discussed (7). In that report concern was expressed about the ability of Eight Mile Creek to deliver 55,000 Mega litres of water for harvesting in dry years. Fortunately, correspondence to the South East Water Conservation & Drainage Board recommended that "no further applications for approvals for the taking and diversion of surface water be granted", and an investigation be conducted into unauthorised use of water in the coastal zone.

Not only is Eight Mile Creek renowned as a biodiversity 'hotspot' for native fish, but also for its profusion of submerged aquatic plants that provide shelter for fish. The South-Eastern Water Conservation & Drainage Board, with approval from the Government, still continue the practice of dredging Eight Mile Creek, despite this creek being the most significant freshwater creek in the South-East of South Australia and arguably in Australia. There is no other creek of such diversity and beauty, in testament of which the creek is visited by many local, interstate, and overseas divers and tourists. On 12-13th May 2004 damage from the dredging was witnessed by myself, and representatives of the South Australian Department of Environment and Heritage, the Environmental Protection Authority, and Native Fish Australia who prepared a report on the environmental impact of the dredging (1).

Two Caterpillar tractors, one on each bank of the creek, pulling between them a large steel cable about 20-25mm (1") in diameter, to which is connected a dredge-shaped drag made from large steel girders approx. 3m (10ft) x 3m and weighing about two tonnes. The creek was dredged for two days, at a speed of about 4-5 kph, under a 20-30cm high wave of water. This method is currently employed in the lower 1.2km section of Eight Mile Creek from the Spencers Pond (man-made) outlet to the bridge adjacent to the mouth of Eight Mile Creek. Previously, until about 2001, Eight Mile Creek was dragged all the way from the boundary of Ewens Ponds Conservation Park (07/05/04 The Dredging). A great deal of damage was apparent as the unique aquatic vegetation containing the threatened and protected fish was carried out to sea, and then washed back onto the beaches by the tide. Almost a kilometre long strip of beach became covered in freshwater aquatic vegetation. Among this vegetation herons, pelicans and turns, along with hundreds of silver gulls, fought over stranded and dying endangered freshwater fish. Photo: Survey of native fish being washed out to sea (N.Skinner)

Another serious impact occurs shortly after dredging, and remains for several months. The decrease in water level, combined with winter rains draws nutrients and/or salt through the drains into the creek. The native aquatic vegetation then dies and forms a brown mucous that coats the sides and bottom of Drain #5 and Eight Mile Creek. Spencers Pond, has been physically isolated through the use of fencing and a sign that bears the words "Scuba Diving and Snorkelling Strictly Prohibited". When the drains were originally constructed, one was routed into Spencers Pond so that it could drain out the other side and then on into Eight Mile Creek. After the dredging of Eight Mile Creek the level of Spencers Pond, a clear pristine pool full of healthy aquatic vegetation decreases significantly. This results in about 30-50% aquatic vegetation of Spencers Pond dying then rotting, along with all aquatic vegetation in Drain #5 which then feeds into Eight Mile Creek.

Photo: Eight Mile Creek below surface after dredging (N.Skinner)

Fortunately, the conservation camping to protect the system appears to be achieving some progress. The SE Water Conservation & Drainage Board appears amenable to a plan to re-route the drain around Spencers Pond. The draft Management Plan of the South-Eastern Water Conservation & Drainage Board 2003-2006, listed amongst its 'Statutory Functions and Obligations' (South Eastern Water Conservation & Drainage Act 1992), "The enhancement or development of natural wetlands and the natural environment generally in the South East". I believe the South Eastern Water Conservation & Drainage Board should receive our every encouragement in this endeavour. Surely it must be possible to drain the adjacent land through means that do not interfere with this natural environment, such as directly impacting on the environment as is the case at Eight Mile Creek. One possible solution is the use of drains isolated from Eight Mile Creek to prevent excessive nutrients. Another possible and simpler solution, that may or may not work, is to remove the silt from the bed of the lower section of Eight Mile Creek, which is currently being moved back and forth during the existing dragging operations.

I have spoken with representatives of the South Eastern Water Conservation & Drainage Board, and have been informed that "the Eight Mile Creek Advisory Committee will be considering this issue at their next meeting probably in December". I am cautiously optimistic a motion will be approved to discontinue the practice of dredging Eight Mile Creek of its aquatic vegetation, and that next year alternative means will be made to open a permanent channel down the centre of Eight Mile Creek. This could be done using a long-reach bucket to carefully remove the build up of sediment from within the centre section of Eight Mile Creek from Drain #5 to the sea. It is hoped this removal of silt from the centre of the creek will prevent the regrowth of aquatic vegetation down the centre of the creek, thus maintaining good natural current flow without annual intervention. Should this fail, I believe new drains will have to be constructed that do not drain into Eight Mile Creek, but rather join Eight Mile Creek at the point near where it runs into the sea.

Hopefully, the decision to stop the dredging Eight Mile Creek will be taken, and Eight Mile Creek will be on it's way to recovery. This will assist the recovery of South Australia's premier fresh water snorkelling experience over it's entire length. For more information contact Neville Skinner at Neville.Skinner@Gmail.com

References in Links.