Central Coast Council has received the first report in a new program for managing the region’s coastal areas, with the stage 1 scoping study complete for the Hawkesbury-Nepean River catchments.
The Hawkesbury-Nepean River Coastal Management Program is a partnership between six Councils, and includes the Brisbane Water estuary, Broken Bay and the Lower Hawkesbury river.
Mayor Lisa Matthews said the scoping study had highlighted the importance of the waterways to the Coast economy and the importance of collaboration.
“The scoping study has shown us that the economic value of the Hawkesbury-Nepean River catchments is significant, with more than $270M in fixed foreshore assets, $45M per annuum in tourism benefits, $5M per annum in direct economic value from river-based industries and around $500M per annum in associated industries,” Cr Matthews said.
“This is why it is important to work collaboratively with our neighbours to ensure we have a plan to manage potential impacts such as sea level rise, urban development, waterway use and planning differences across the LGAs.
“Stage 2 of the program will include detailed studies that help to identify, analyse and evaluate risks, vulnerabilities and opportunities across the estuary system.”
The scoping study was funded by the partner Councils and the NSW Government through the Coastal and Estuaries Grants program.
Further funding will be sought for the next stages of the coastal management program.
Source:
Media release, Oct 20
Central Coast Council