Feedback sought on two Coastal Management Programs

Published on 24 May 2024

Bega Valley Shire Council is seeking feedback on the Draft Bermagui River Coastal Management Program (CMP) and Draft Lake Curalo Coastal Management Program.

Council’s Coastal Management Officer, Rachel Duczynski said these two CMPs are the first of four for the Bega Valley coastline, with the Wallaga Lake CMP and Merimbula and Back Lake CMP to follow.

“Council has a long history of proactive management of its estuaries and beaches,” Ms Duczynski said.

“Our coastal zone is highly valued by the community for its recreational and amenity benefits, its cultural heritage and as a key driver for the economy of the region.

“However, the coastal environment is under a mix of pressures including development, land use practices and climate change-related factors.

“The development of these coastal management programs provides a valuable opportunity to support sustainable management of the coastal environment, its values and its resources for current and future generations.

“The Bermagui River and the Lake Curalo programs outline key management strategies and associated actions to address identified pressures and threats to the environmental, social and economic values of each area.

“They detail management actions to maintain and enhance the ecological health of each estuary and adjoining coastal zone, including maintaining good water quality and protecting aquatic habitats important to fish and other fauna.

“They also address the risk of coastal hazards including coastal and tidal inundation, and coastal erosion factoring in climate change and sea level rise.”

Completion of these documents will open essential grant funding opportunities to support implementation of the actions.