How we manage our coastal areas have long term impacts both on our natural and built environments. Ballina Shire Council (BSC) are currently seeking community feedback on the future management of Shaws Bay in East Ballina an important environmental and recreational area.
A Coastal Zone Management Program (CZMP) was prepared for Shaws Bay in 2015 and most actions now completed. Council are now looking to cevelop a new Coastal Management Program (CMP), with funding assistance from the NSW Government’s Coastal and Estuary Grants Program.
‘Council has progressively implemented the Shaws Bay CZMP actions, which have included addressing bank erosion, improving access and amenity, saltmarsh habitat creation, dredging and environmental monitoring,’ said Council’s Manager Public and Environmental Health, Kerri Watts.
‘Feedback from the community on work completed to date has been extremely positive, and we have seen a huge increase in recreational use of the bay.’
Ballina Council will transition the existing Shaws Bay Coastal Zone Management Plan into a Coastal Management Program in accordance with the Coastal Management Act 2016 and the NSW Government Coastal Management Framework.
Iconic waterway
Ballina-based Hydrosphere Consulting has been appointed to develop the first stage of the Program, including a Scoping Study. The Scoping Study will review work undertaken to date, consult with the community, and provide a clear path to implement future stages of the Coastal Management Program.
‘There is a lot of public interest in this iconic waterway,’ said Ms Watts.
‘Council is very keen to ensure the new program meets public needs and allows for ongoing maintenance and improvements into the future. Community input to the Scoping Study is critical to capture feedback and to inform future management priorities.’
Community members can have their say via a survey that is now open at Your Say Ballina. Submissions will close Friday 14 July.
Residents can also drop a pin on the map tool to highlight areas they want to see protected, maintained, or improved; and they can ask questions of the project team.
‘There are a lot of different views on what the management priorities at Shaws Bay should be,’ said Hydrosphere Consulting’s Managing Director, Mick Howland.
‘Our job is to provide a well thought out program that meets the community’s expectations and will be eligible for future state-government funding. We have an open mind, and we are genuinely encouraging feedback and suggestions from the public.’
To get involved visit yoursayballina.com.au/shaws-bay-coastal-management-program.
