THE future health of one of the Coffs Coast’s most important waterways is at the centre of a new 10-year strategy now on public exhibition.
The Draft Orara River Rehabilitation Strategy 2026-2036 outlines plans to continue restoring and protecting the Orara River system, including the Urumbilum River, Bucca Bucca Creek and their tributaries.
The Orara River is a vital source of drinking water for the Coffs Harbour region and provides habitat for a range of threatened species, including the endangered Eastern Freshwater Cod.
A rehabilitation program first began in 1998 through local Rivercare groups, with the City of Coffs Harbour joining as a partner in 2000.
Mayor Nikki Williams said the river remained a valuable environmental and recreational asset for the community.
“The Orara is a critically important river system, and it’s also popular for recreational activities, particularly fishing, swimming and kayaking,” Mayor Williams said.
“The past 28 years of the Orara River rehabilitation project has seen significant improvements to the natural environment though there’s still some way to go.”
The project area covers almost half of all waterways within the Coffs Harbour Local Government Area and was established in response to declining water quality caused by activities including gravel extraction, land clearing and erosion.
City communities and planning director Ian Fitzgibbon said ongoing co-operation would be essential to maintaining progress.
“The initiative is one of the longest-running river health projects in Australia,” Mr Fitzgibbon said.
“The draft strategy calls out the need for further collaboration and partnerships for on-ground activity such as weed control, revegetation, livestock exclusion fencing, and erosion control, along with environmental monitoring and community education initiatives.
Mr Fitzgibbon indicated that while more than 200 landholders had jumped on board to the point where some properties were now at the point of straightforward maintenance works, not all riparian land had been rehabilitated.
“The threat of weeds and erosion remains, which, if left unchecked, could impact our drinking water supply,” he said.
Community members can view the draft strategy and provide feedback until 30 June.
By Sis HIGGINS
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