Woolgoolga Region Estuaries Coastal Management Program
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Consultation has concluded
Council has recently finalised a Coastal Management Program (CMP) for the estuaries of Darkum Creek, Woolgoolga Lake, Willis Creek and Hearnes Lake. The program was prepared in line with the NSW Government Coastal Management Framework which is a recent initiative by the NSW Government to equip communities to respond to the challenges facing the state’s coastline and estuaries. The new CMP for the estuary will update and replace the existing Estuary Management Plans.
About the estuaries
The estuaries of Darkum Creek, Woolgoolga Lake, Willis Creek and Hearnes Lake are major assets for the Coffs Harbour Region. They provide a stunning natural environment, a multitude of recreational opportunities, and are a cornerstone of the coastal lifestyle that is so highly valued by the local community and visitors alike. However, the estuaries are facing increasing pressures from upper catchment agricultural land usage, urban development, and climate change.
About the CMP
The CMP considers estuary and catchment health issues such as bank erosion, water quality, catchment and sediment inflows, as well as recreational amenity among others. It provides an opportunity to develop a strategic, long-term approach to management of the estuaries - and improve coordination across local and state government agencies.The CMP was prepared through a five staged process, in line with NSW Government requirements and is further outlined in the life cycle widget.
Who is responsible?
The project is initiated by Coffs Harbour City Council. The project is funded jointly through Council, and the NSW State Government’s Coast and Estuary Grants Program.The Coast and Estuary Management Advisory Committee (CEMAC) has overseen the project.
Council has recently finalised a Coastal Management Program (CMP) for the estuaries of Darkum Creek, Woolgoolga Lake, Willis Creek and Hearnes Lake. The program was prepared in line with the NSW Government Coastal Management Framework which is a recent initiative by the NSW Government to equip communities to respond to the challenges facing the state’s coastline and estuaries. The new CMP for the estuary will update and replace the existing Estuary Management Plans.
About the estuaries
The estuaries of Darkum Creek, Woolgoolga Lake, Willis Creek and Hearnes Lake are major assets for the Coffs Harbour Region. They provide a stunning natural environment, a multitude of recreational opportunities, and are a cornerstone of the coastal lifestyle that is so highly valued by the local community and visitors alike. However, the estuaries are facing increasing pressures from upper catchment agricultural land usage, urban development, and climate change.
About the CMP
The CMP considers estuary and catchment health issues such as bank erosion, water quality, catchment and sediment inflows, as well as recreational amenity among others. It provides an opportunity to develop a strategic, long-term approach to management of the estuaries - and improve coordination across local and state government agencies.The CMP was prepared through a five staged process, in line with NSW Government requirements and is further outlined in the life cycle widget.
Who is responsible?
The project is initiated by Coffs Harbour City Council. The project is funded jointly through Council, and the NSW State Government’s Coast and Estuary Grants Program.The Coast and Estuary Management Advisory Committee (CEMAC) has overseen the project.
Please read ourSubmission Policy for more details on providing submissions to Council.
Consultation has concluded
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CMP introduction video
This short video outlines a short introduction into the project and the purpose of the CMP.
Lifecycle
Stage 1
Woolgoolga Region Estuaries Coastal Management Program has finished this stage
Stage 1 of the CMP was finalised in late 2020. A Scoping Study Report has been developed that outlines the key issues, and sets a plan for the remaining stages.
Stage 2
Woolgoolga Region Estuaries Coastal Management Program has finished this stage
Stage 2 of the CMP has now been finalised. Here we investigated the issues identified by the community in Stage 1 in more detail, using the latest data and information, in order to determine the cause of these issues and impacts.
Stage 3
Woolgoolga Region Estuaries Coastal Management Program has finished this stage
Stage 3 was undertaken early to mid-2021, and developed a list of potential management actions to address these issues. The community was asked for further involvement through community drop-in sessions in order to identify, rank and prioritise these options.
Stage 4
Woolgoolga Region Estuaries Coastal Management Program has finished this stage
Stage 4 developed the final CMP plan of action. It stated all of the actions that need to be implemented, including the responsibilities, timing, and cost. The plan is now complete.
Stage 5
Woolgoolga Region Estuaries Coastal Management Program is currently at this stage
Stage 5 will then involve the ongoing implementing the CMP actions over a 10-year period. The CMP will enable the funding and implementation of projects that will provide tangible benefits to the local community - through maintaining healthy ecosystems and biodiversity, protecting public assets from current and future hazards and ensuring safe and sustainable access to the estuaries.
This short video outlines a short introduction into the project and the purpose of the CMP.