RESIDENTS can now provide feedback on MidCoast Council’s draft Southern Estuaries Coastal Management Program (CMP) that aims to protect the lakes, lagoons and river systems stretching from Wallabi Point to Karuah River.
“Our estuaries are such an important asset to the community because of their recreational, environmental, social and cultural significance,” said MidCoast Council’s Natural Systems Manager, Gerard Tuckerman.
These waterways are also a powerhouse of the local blue economy, supporting industries such as agriculture, aquaculture, tourism, and both commercial and recreational fishing.
However, Council warns that local stuaries are under pressure.
“Land‑use change, agricultural impacts, loss of coastal wetlands, altered estuary entrances, climate change, water pollution, flooding and inundation, declining community stewardship, recreational impacts, biodiversity and cultural heritage losses are all key issues that need to be considered in sustainably managing our estuaries,” it said in a statement.
Community feedback will help refine the management program before it goes to Council for endorsement.
To view the draft program and have your say, head to https://haveyoursay.midcoast.nsw.gov.au/oursouthernestuaries before feedback closes on Tuesday 7 April 2026.
The CMP has been developed with funding and technical support from the NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, in collaboration with state agencies, Aboriginal representatives, and the local community.
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