City of Coffs Harbour Council has resolved to request the NSW Environment Minister certify the Arrawarra Creek, Pipe Clay Lake and Corindi River Coastal Management Program.
The Program – which includes a 10-year business plan through to 2034-35 with costed management actions – has been on public exhibition where it attracted one government agency response and 34 public submissions.
“A key action for the City is to do a feasibility study to see if public pedestrian access to Arrawarra Beach can be improved,” said Mayor, Nikki Williams.
“Also listed as a pressing matter is to see what feasible options there are for replacing existing aging on-site sewerage systems throughout Red Rock and at other sites within the coastal zone and implement as appropriate.”
They are two of six issues identified as ‘high priority’ – to be completed within three years.
If the Program is certified by the NSW Government, the actions will be eligible for external funding through the State’s Coast and Estuary Funding Program.
Other high priority actions are:
- Manage threats to Crown land surrounding Red Rock and the Corindi River – $2.92 million;
- Enhance environmental and cultural outcomes for Crown land covering Pipe Clay Lake and surrounding areas – $1.43 million;
- Modify local planning controls for high priority inundation areas to minimise impacts on estuarine communities – $120,000; and
- Develop and implement a stormwater management plan for the coastal villages of Corindi Beach and Red Rock – $2.51 million.
“All three estuaries in the program – Arrawarra Creek, Pipe Clay Lake and Corindi River – sit within the Solitary Islands Marine Park,” said City Planning and Communities Acting Director, Ian Fitzgibbon.
“This document seeks to establish a long-term strategy for the coordinated, sustainable management of these waterways and to preserve the social, cultural, economic and environmental values of the estuaries.”
The final Program was updated in response to feedback as part of the public consultation process and further negotiations with relevant government agencies and stakeholders.
