Lake Macquarie City Council has shared a new ten year draft plan to manage and protect its coast and shorelines of lakes and creeks, with 111 priority actions outlined.
The draft Coastal Management Program outlines a vision for maintaining and nurturing a “healthy, resilient coastal zone”, including beaches, dunes, rock platforms, headlands and wetlands, the lake and its tributaries, and the Swansea Channel.
Manager Environmental Systems, Karen Partington, said the 111 priority actions would help manage coastal hazards, such as erosion and sea level rises, which threaten coastal communities.
“They’re also aimed at improving the health of our coastal environments, maintaining access to coastal areas and engaging with the community on coastal issues,” Ms Partington said.
Actions outlined in the draft document include:
- Stabilising Pelican foreshore to address ongoing erosion
- Revegetating, reshaping and restoring dunes after storm events
- Expanding lake health monitoring to include microplastics
- Continuing local adaptation planning in low-lying communities
Lake Macquarie City Council Mayor, Kay Fraser, said the actions were intended to be funded by Council and the New South Wales Government.
“Having this Coastal Management Program in place means we will be eligible for funding via the NSW Government’s Coastal and Estuary Grants Program,” Ms Fraser said.
“This will play an important part in maintaining our coast and ensuring it remains a place for people to enjoy and for the environment to thrive.”
The draft Coastal Management Program is on public exhibition until 3 February 2023 and available for online viewing and feedback at shape.lakemac.com.au/coastal.
Feature image: Manager Environmental Systems, Karen Partington, at Redhead Beach. Dune systems affected by storm events will be restored and revegetated under the draft. Image: Lake Macquarie City Council
