2001

1. Heavy metal analysis of tip leachate from Golf Course
2. Concentration of heavy metal in relation to distance downstream of Wakehurst Golf Course
3. Conservation of Climbing Galaxias: Chemical & biological monitoring of galaxias habitat and survey of fish populations (See SMDCC Issues Paper).
4. Top of catchment pollution: Study leachate from baseball field, eg water analysis at entrances to the pipe and at its exit. Literature search and suggested solutions.
5. Impacts resulting from changes to drainage pattern (diversion of creeks) on Golf Course. Mapping original and current routes of water flow or channels.
6. Possible suggestions for restoration of water flow to original creek-lines downstream of Golf Course.
7. Deficiencies in design and function of Water Quality Control Pond on Ardel Site.
8. Improvements to creeks and riparian areas upstream of Park to protect and enhance aquatic environment.
9. Importance of native riparian vegetation and association with native aquatic flora. Occurrence of weed infestation where disturbance has occurred to creeks.
10. Modification of design of ponds to improve/enhance creeks as continuous systems.
11. Investigate the biodiversity and health of the Sydney Freshwater Swamp (upper reaches MDam) in relation to variations of dam water levels and sedimentation.
12. Undertake a study to determine if faecal coliform bacteria in lake are predominantly of human origin (sewage overflows) or from wildlife (ie duck faeces).
13. (a) Follow sewer line through park to identify leaks/blockages. (b) F.coliform test of overflow during high rainfall periods.
14. Study long-necked turtles in pools on Curl Curl Creek, Manly Dam and pools below and ponds on golf course. Are some native and some feral? Is this a problem? Is there a solution?
15. Cootamundra Topics: (a) Study of 3 creeks and levels down creek profile. Are weeds acting as nutrient sponges? (b) What weeds lead to nutrient loads and how do we manage them? (c) Classifying potential vegetation communities that exist under weed plume. How would you regenerate the area to restore these communities with regard to sensitivity of galaxias downstream. (d) Maintenance requirements of wetlands/relate to existing wetlands at Cootamundra. Consider limitations such as slope/engineering aspects. (e) Would a wetland situated at the cross-section of creeks on site reduce substantial nutrients? If yes, what design aspects would you use to minimise impact to galaxias community? (f) How would you educate residents on reducing fertilizers etc to minimise stormwater impacts?
16. Testing the water quality control ponds at Ardel site to prove it will not work as suggested by Sainty Report Commissioned by Manly Council.
17. To closely monitor the performance of the ‘siltation pond’ (WQCP) at the Ardel site and gauge the downstream effects of siltation / pollution.
18. Measure variations in water quality along Curl Curl Creek (total length) taking into account: (a) Macroinvertebrate diversity and population numbers of keystone species; dam water release variations (b) Determine reasons for spatiotemporal variations and suggest management/monitoring actions for each section in terms of aquatic and riparian conservation.
19. Assess the effectiveness of the Ardel WQCP before and during the construction phase. Suggest management, maintenance and monitoring actions based on findings.
20. It would be good if if someone could look at the pressures put on researchers – politically and by business who stand to gain or lose depending on the results of the study.
21. Monitoring water run off from Ardel Pond especially after rain.
22. I’d like to suggest monitoring run off from Ardel site at Allambie Heights into Curl Curl creek and Manly Dam. The water quality control pond would be a marvelous thing to test and judge its’ efficiency.
23. Research into the environmental impacts of speed boats on Manly Dam.
24. Undertake a macroinvertebrate survey of the creeks flowing into the Dam. This survey should be designed to allow comparison between individual creeks, individual sites over time.
25. There are some studies that the students may be interested in that would help/ compliment the Creek Management Study, Warringah. These would include studies on the creeks running into the Dam and the ways in which development in the upper catchment has affected water quality, geomorphological characteristics of the creek, ecological health etc. Also investigations of management options for retaining creek health or rehabilitation plans for improving creek health.
26. The effectiveness of sediment dams: (a) Size, large vs small (b) Should they be cleaned out? (c) Are they only encouraging weed growth? (d) What effect is it having on native vegetation? (e) Do they filter out pollutants/nutrients?