The first steps in an expansive water quality monitoring program by City of Coffs Harbour Council will include a 24/7 stocktake on Hearnes Lake near Woolgoolga.
Once seen as a popular spot for gathering oysters, prawning, crabbing and fishing, the intermittently open or closed lagoon has been a subject of numerous news reports citing water quality concerns.
Part of the Solitary Islands Marine Park, Hearnes Lake is one of a number of catchments in the north of the Local Government Area to be checked regularly and scientifically in a fresh Council initiative.
“This proactive campaign is among the actions detailed in the City’s Coastal Management Programs,” said Mayor, Nikki Williams.
“Our natural environment is something we all value so highly on the Coffs Coast, so it’s important to get reliable and timely data on water quality.”
As part of the campaign, water samples measuring key indicators will be taken every three months at 18 sites in the Darkum Creek, Woolgoolga Lake, Willis Creek and Hearnes Lake catchments.
A particular focus will be on fluctuations in sediment and nutrient concentrations, as these are both problematic pollutants when they exceed even low levels.
“In addition to the quarterly samples, a continuous water quality monitoring device has been installed in Hearnes Lake to track daily changes across a 12-month period,” said Council’s Planning and Communities Acting Director, Ian Fitzgibbon.
“This will draw a picture for us of what’s happening, including during periods of heavy rainfall and water run-off.”
The water quality monitoring program sits alongside the Council’s involvement in the Hearnes Lake Working Group – a multi-agency body which aims to improve water quality in the lagoon.
“We are partnering with key stakeholders including the NSW Environment Protection Authority, State Government agencies, agricultural industry bodies and the local community organisation – Sandy Beach Action Group – to develop collaborative approaches to improving water quality,” Mr Fitzgibbon said.
Water quality readings from the program will be published on the Council’s website, and will also inform ongoing education, management and compliance actions.
