A DRAFT Coastal Management Program (CMP) for the Central Coffs Estuaries is now on public exhibition until 26 November.
The CMP looks at the threats and opportunities for the coastal zone of Moonee Creek, Pine Brush Creek, Jordans Creek, Coffs Creek and Boambee/Newports Creek.
At its meeting on 23 October, City of Coffs Harbour Council resolved to place the draft program on public exhibition for 28 days.
The draft program aims to chart a long-term strategy for the coordinated management of land within the coastal zone and was informed in part by community and stakeholder consultation.
Key issues for the Central Coffs estuaries include erosion and inundation, water quality, urban development, marine litter and pollution, loss of habitat and biodiversity, loss of Aboriginal cultural heritage values and recreational access.
The draft program includes a series of 17 management actions – 13 of which would be led or co-led by the City – that have been developed to mitigate or manage these risks to the health and amenity of the waterways.
“These estuaries may not be as large as some of the others up and down the coast but they are very important to the community from an environment and recreational perspective,” Mayor Nikki Williams said.
“They face various challenges. The population density in the Coffs Creek catchment is significant.”
The draft program’s proposed management actions are estimated to cost more than $7 million over a 10-year period.
One of the key actions is to implement a water quality monitoring program across all five estuaries.
Other initiatives include:
● Undertake a targeted riparian rehabilitation works program
● Prepare and implement a stormwater management plan for Boambee/Newports Creek
● Upgrade the boat ramp at Sawtell Road, Boambee East
● Preserve and enhance saltmarsh habitat at Englands Park
● Upgrade the Melittas Street boat ramp
● Repair and upgrade of Coffs Creek coastal protection works
● Implementation of the Park Beach Seawall
● Upgrade of the Coffs Creek Boardwalk; and
● Dual Naming of Coffs Creek, Jordans Creek, and Pine Brush Creek using a name of local significance to the Gumbaynggirr People.
A further report will be brought back to Council outlining the outcome of the public exhibition process on the draft program.
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