A spate of measures designed to get a better handle on water quality at Hearnes Lake near Woolgoolga – and improve land management practices in the catchment – have been endorsed by City of Coffs Harbour Council.
Concerns about water quality in the lake – which intermittently opens to the sea – have been aired for years as the catchment has been impacted by intensive agriculture and urban development.
In 2023, after a report identified concerning levels of pesticide residue, the Council outlined an approach to improve the health of the Hearnes Lake catchment.
At its meeting on 12 December, Council resolved to endorse a new phase of actions.
These include allocating $16,200 in funding from the 2024/25 Environmental Levy to progress ‘Stage 2’ works.
“Hearnes Lake is a popular recreational asset, and the City together with a number of stakeholders wants to develop a sensible, science-based long-term strategy which has the potential to improve water quality,” said Mayor, Nikki Williams.
“A key part of that strategy is to get a reliable set of data based on consistent, fixed indicators – apples with apples – so any change in water quality can be accurately tracked.”
One of the outcomes from Stage 1 of the project is a ‘statement of purpose’ for the Hearnes Lake Water Quality Working Group. This stakeholder body includes representatives from the City, NSW Government agencies, industry and the community.
“Stage 1 project acknowledged the work being undertaken by stakeholders in the catchment, but gaps and opportunities were also identified,” said Council Planning and Communities Acting Director, Ian Fitzgibbon.
Opportunities include:
- Supporting landholders to move towards best practice land and water management;
- Improving water quality data and monitoring practices;
- Motivating change;
- Improving waste management practices; and
- Communicating existing initiatives occurring within the catchment.
“Further funding for Stage 2 of the Hearnes Lake Water Quality Project will be considered as part of the Environmental Levy Program for 2025/26 and 2026/27,” Mr Fitzgibbon said.
