High Ecological Value Waterways and Water Dependent Ecosystems - SYDNEY LGA

A map of the high ecological value waterways and water dependent ecosystems for the Sydney LGA was prepared by the Science Division of the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment, with input layers and support for the map provided by the former NSW Department of Primary Industries-Fisheries and Department of Industry-Crown Lands and Water. The basis for the map arises from Science Division inputs to strategic planning processes. For example, the map has been included in the Land Use and Infrastructure Implementation Plans for the Wilton (Wilton2040, page 22) and Greater Macarthur (interim plan, page 36) Priority Growth Areas. This map was specifically developed for input to Local Government Local Strategic Planning Statements to support Council’s delivery of Strategy 25.1 of the Greater Sydney Region Plan.\r\n\r\nThe map shows areas where waterways and water dependent ecosystems are defined as high ecological value, based on definitions, guidelines and policies under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999, Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016, Fisheries Management Act 1994 and Water Management Act 2000. Water dependent ecosystems are defined as wetlands, and flora and fauna that rely on water sources (including groundwater). The map represents an overlay of 39 indicators being used by the State Government to define high value, however, not all 39 indicators will be present in any one LGA (see Attachment 1 below). For example, there are 8 indicators making up the map for the Sydney LGA. It should also be noted that the individual indicators have not been ground-truthed and it is recommended that field assessments and/or a comparison to local mapping be undertaken prior to any decisions being made.\r\nThe map was created by initially placing a 1 ha (to correspond with a lot size) hexagon grid over the LGA, and attributing the grid with the area, length and/or frequency of occurrence of high value water dependent ecosystems. The purpose of the map is to identify strategic planning priorities for protecting and improving the health of high value waterways and water dependent ecosystems in the LGA. Once identified, the priorities can be used as a basis for identifying aquatic biodiversity refugia, stream rehabilitation efforts and setting management targets and/or land use planning controls that would protect or improve the health of waterways and water dependent ecosystems so they provide the essential services and functions expected of a cool blue-green corridor.

本次编制的悉尼地方政府区域（Local Government Area，简称LGA）高生态价值水道及依水生态系统（water dependent ecosystems）分布图，由新南威尔士州（New South Wales，简称NSW）规划、产业与环境部科学司编制，原新南威尔士州第一产业-渔业厅以及产业部-官地与水务厅为该地图提供了输入图层与技术支持。本地图的编制基础源自科学司为战略规划流程提供的支撑输入。例如，该地图已被纳入威尔顿（Wilton2040，第22页）与大麦克阿瑟（临时规划方案，第36页）优先增长区的土地利用与基础设施实施计划。本地图专为地方政府地方战略规划声明编制，用以协助市政委员会落实《大悉尼区域规划》第25.1项战略。

本地图依据《1999年环境保护与生物多样性保护法》（Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999）、《2016年生物多样性保护法》（Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016）、《1994年渔业管理法》（Fisheries Management Act 1994）以及《2000年水资源管理法》（Water Management Act 2000）中的定义、指南与政策，划定了水道及依水生态系统的高生态价值区域。依水生态系统指依赖水源（包括地下水）的湿地、动植物群落。本地图叠加了州政府用于界定高价值区域的39项指标，但并非所有39项指标都会在单个LGA内出现（详见下文附件1）。例如，悉尼LGA的地图仅由8项指标构成。此外需注意，各项指标均未经过实地验证，建议在做出相关决策前开展实地评估或与本地地图进行比对。

本地图的制作流程为：首先在LGA范围内铺设1公顷（与地块尺寸匹配）的六边形网格（hexagon grid），并为网格赋予高价值依水生态系统的面积、长度及/或出现频率属性。本地图的编制目的是识别LGA范围内保护与改善高价值水道及依水生态系统健康状况的战略规划优先级。确定优先级后，可用于识别水生生物避难所、开展河道修复工作，并制定管理目标及/或土地利用规划管控措施，以保护或改善水道及依水生态系统的健康状况，使其发挥清凉蓝绿廊道应有的核心服务与功能。