Southern Estuaries Coastal Management Program Reference Group

The Southern Estuaries of the MidCoast region, including Wallis, Myall and Smiths Lakes, Karuah River, North Arm Cove, Kore Kore and Khappinghat Creeks and Black Head Lagoon are some of its greatest assets. They strengthen the MidCoast economy and provide social and recreational values that benefit the people that live, visit and work in the region. To protect these values, MidCoast Council are developing a Coastal Management Program (CMP). This program will provide strategic direction for future management of the Southern Estuaries and their catchments. 

The Southern Estuaries Coastal Management Program Reference Group will provide strategic stakeholder input to the development of the Southern Estuaries Coastal Management Program from Stage 2 to Stage 4 of program development.  The Southern Estuaries CMP will develop strategies for a healthy catchment and estuary that will support the social, economic, cultural, and environmental values of its people. 

The issues that the Southern Estuaries CMP and therefore the Reference Group will focus on include but are not limited to:

• Catchment and agricultural runoff and urban diffuse source pollution
• Degradation of riparian areas, existing native vegetation within the catchment and wetlands
• Impacts of climate change on inundation and catchment and estuary health
• Impacts of development, tourism, and user group conflict

The membership of the Reference Group shall comprise:

• up to two (2) Councillors
• up to six (6) representatives from key public authorities who represent the major public land or asset owners within this CMP area who have the expertise, ability, and responsibility to influence the management of the Southern Estuaries CMP
• up to two (2) representatives from Traditional owners within the project area
• one (1) representative from the Oyster Industry
• two (2) rural representatives from the Dairy/ Beef/ Poultry industries
• one (1) professional from the fishing industry
• one (1) representative with a boating or recreational fishing interest
• two (2) general community members within the project area
• one (1) member representing Landcare