Plan for southern estuaries adopted by MidCoast Council

MIDCOAST Council’s Southern Estuaries Coastal Management Program (CMP) was adopted at its 27 May meeting.

The 10-year program aims to protect the lakes, lagoons and river systems from Wallabi Point to the Karuah River.

The CMP has been developed with funding and technical support from the NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW), in collaboration with state agencies, Port Stephens Council, Aboriginal representatives, and local communities.

Council states the program will “identify, understand, prepare for and respond to the current and emerging risks impacting estuarine environments”.

The Southern Estuaries CMP will address estuarine areas for the Wallis, Smiths and Myall Lakes, Black Head Lagoon, Khappinghat and Kore Kore Creek, North Arm Cove and Karuah River catchments.

“Key estuarine threats include the impacts of coastal and estuarine hazards, such as erosion, inundation, and flooding, alongside the pressures of urbanisation and land use change, which continue to alter catchment inputs and place strain on the diverse range of ecosystems,” the draft CMP states.

“Increasing competition for waterway use and resources presents further challenges, as recreational, commercial, cultural, and ecological values intersect and, at times, conflict.”

At its 25 February 2026 meeting, Council resolved to exhibit the draft CMP for 25 days for public feedback, with 23 submissions received.

Community submissions covered issues such as increased boat speeds in estuaries, dredging in Wallis Lake and Myall River estuaries, changes in sedimentation, managing root causes of foreshore erosion, wetland management,  prioritising protection and restoration of natural assets, entrapment of wildlife in fishing rubbish, and research and monitoring on sediment processes.

The adopted Southern Estuaries CMP will now be forwarded to the Minister for certification.