NSW Water Quality and River Flow Objectives		About the Objectives Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water
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Sydney Harbour and Parramatta River
Water Quality and River Flow Objectives

Waterways affected by urban development

Water Quality Objectives
River Flow Objectives

Upper estuary

Water Quality Objectives
River Flow Objectives

Lower estuary

Water Quality Objectives
River Flow Objectives

This section oulines the interim Water Quality and River Flow Objectives for each of the three parts of the Sydney Harbour and Parramatta River catchment (see map). Other Water Quality and River Flow Objectives may apply, but these are the priority ones.

The waterways of the Sydney Harbour and Parramatta River catchment represent an enormously significant recreational, scenic and economic resource for the people of Sydney, the rest of NSW and, even, Australia generally. More than 1,200,000 people live in the catchment of Sydney Harbour. The catchment includes the central business district of Sydney, and the significant commercial districts of North Sydney and Parramatta. Sydney Harbour is a working port. Most of the visitors to NSW, both domestic and international, spend time in Sydney, with the Harbour being a major focus of activity. Sydney's prime tourist attractions-the Opera House, Botanic Gardens, Taronga Zoo, Circular Quay, The Rocks, Darling Harbour and the Fish Markets-are all located on the Harbour foreshores. The major Olympics 2000 sites were also located on or beside Sydney Harbour and the Parramatta River.

Current uses and environmental values for the Sydney Harbour and Parramatta River system include maintaining healthy ecosystems, recreation (including swimming, boating, fishing and aesthetics) and commercial activities (such as commercial shipping and tourism). There is very limited extraction of fresh water, or reuse of stormwater (as is occurring at the Olympic site at Homebush Bay and adjacent village, usually for irrigation of golf courses or parks).

Much of the catchment is urbanised, although significant areas of bushland remain, particularly within the Lane Cove, Garigal and Sydney Harbour National Parks. Because of the extent of development, waterways are affected by poor water quality and a changed flow regime. The waterways have been greatly modified, with creek systems being extensively channelised or hard-edged with concrete. Wetlands have been destroyed or degraded and, where natural remnants of vegetation exist, they are often affected by weeds and rubbish.

Management of the waterways of this catchment is a complex issue, with many State, local government and community organisations having an interest. Key stakeholders include:

the Sydney Metropolitan Catchment Authority (CMA)
several government agencies (such as the Department of Planning and Maritime NSW)
the local councils within the catchment
Sydney Water
the community, including business and local citizens.

Waterways affected by urban development

These are streams within urban areas that are often substantially modified and carry poor-quality stormwater.

Map: See streams flowing through the gold areas on the map. They consist of the freshwater reaches of the Parramatta and Lane Cove rivers, and all other tributaries discharging directly to Sydney Harbour and Middle Harbour.

Water Quality Objectives

Protection of :

Aquatic ecosystems

Visual amenity

Secondary contact recreation

Primary contact recreation, in the longer term, 10 years or more

River Flow Objectives

Protect pools in dry times

Protect natural low flows

Maintain wetland and floodplain inundation

Mimic natural drying in temporary waterways

Maintain natural flow variability

Maintain natural rates of change in water levels

Minimise effects of weirs and other structures

Supporting information

Swimming (primary contact recreation) is a desired use of Lake Parramatta in the short term (5 years). Primary contact recreation may be achievable throughout most of the developed region in the long term (10 years or more).
A return to natural aquatic ecosystems is impractical, but an improvement in ecological health is desirable and necessary.
Stream rehabilitation is desirable. Existing natural waterways should be protected from the impacts of urban stormwater, weeds and urban encroachment. This will require better stormwater management (including an improved sewerage system) and urban planning.
Protecting pools in dry times and protecting natural low flows will apply only where there are detention basins. As there are few freshwater wetlands left in this catchment, the existing ones should be protected, including their inundation regime. Some naturally temporary creeks have been made more permanent with development of the catchment. Returning to a more natural flow regime is a longer term aim, requiring improved stormwater management practices such as increased infiltration and on-site storage.
In urban areas, the value of maintaining floodplain inundation needs to be balanced with risks to life and property.
The weirs on the Parramatta River and at Fullers Bridge on the Lane Cove River, and culverts and detention basins throughout this region, affect fish passage and can generate water low in dissolved oxygen and high in chlorophyll-a (contributing to algal blooms).

Upper estuary

The upper estuary is characterised by a mix of freshwater and saline waters. Its hydraulic and water- quality characteristics, and potential problems, are very different from those of freshwater streams. It is significantly influenced by freshwater inputs after rain.

Map: This section is outlined on the map in light purple. It consists of the Parramatta and Lane Cove rivers above Hunters Hill, and Middle Harbour above Beauty Point.