Korora Lagoons Remediation Options

Public exhibition closed: Thank you to everyone who provided feedback. We are currently reviewing feedback and will provide an update to everyone who made a submission in the coming months.

We are seeking feedback on the four remediation options for Korora Lagoons, the options aim to improve the water quality and ecological environment of the lagoons.

Read the Options Report, Summary and FAQ for more information.

In recent decades with the increased development, the lagoons are subject to ponding and stagnation, which results in poor water quality and impacting the ecological environment. These water quality issues are characterised by elevated nutrient loads, dense growth of aquatic weeds, accumulation of sediments and reduced dissolved oxygen levels.

The City has been aware of the water quality issues with the Korora Lagoons for several years with a number of unsuccessful treatments undertaken over this time.

We are now looking at long term solutions to improve the water quality and habitability of the lagoons.

In May 2021, we engaged Eco Logical Australia (ELA) to undertake water and sediment quality testing in the lagoons to inform a snapshot of lagoon health and future management options.

An Options report has been prepared and has taken into consideration current condition, long-term maintenance, topography and flooding, environmental constraints and impacts on the community.

This included investigating the feasibility of reducing ponding and stagnation, identifying site options, and providing an options analysis including budget and environmental constraints.

The Options Report presents four remedial options, including a recommended option from ELA based on likelihood of success. Option A - Reinstate pre-lagoon waterway which is to remove the lagoons and re-instate the creek line as close as possible to its historic path.

Each option has differing advantages and disadvantages, as well as differing whole of life costs.

1.   Option A – Reinstate pre-lagoon waterway
2.   Option B – Retain a single lagoon (Number 3 in the report)
3.   Option C – Remediation of all lagoons
4.   Option D – No action

Read the Options Summary, FAQs and Options Report to learn about each option.

We are interested in hearing from the community regarding your preferred option. While the City has recommended Option A, we welcome community feedback on all four options presented.

Review the Options Paper, Summary and FAQs.

A report was considered by Council at its March 2024 Ordinary Meeting. At that meeting Council resolved to:

1. Endorse the remediation of the Korora lagoons.

2. Consider the budget allocation of $175,000 from the Environmental Levy in the 2024/25 Operational Plan to commence remediation of lagoons and consider further Environmental Levy funding to complete the initial remediation work in 2025/26 and 2026/27.

3. Request officers to investigate funding options for ongoing maintenance of the Korora lagoons and other City of Coffs Harbour basins from 2027/28 onwards.

4. Inform those who made a submission of Council’s decision.

Following Council's resolution, City Officers will progress the work including commencing planning works and further site investigation for the remediation of the Korora Lagoons. Physical site works are anticipated to commence in 2024/25.