The Tuggerah Lakes Expert Panel will host three online forums to discuss their findings and recommendations to improve the estuary health and water quality at Tuggerah Lakes.
The independent Panel is funded by the NSW Government to determine best practice management for improved water quality in Tuggerah Lakes, comprising Lake Munmorah, Budgewoi Lake and Tuggerah Lake.
After consultation in 2020 saw the Panel hear from more than 2,700 stakeholders over two months, the Panel submitted its report to the NSW Government in December, 2020.
In May, the NSW Government released the Panel’s report and its recommendations will be considered as part of implementing the NSW coastal management framework.
Panel Chair, Associate Professor Will Glamore, said the Panel’s report had been broadly categorised into three themes that emerged during consultation.
“These were, water quality including wrack and ooze, understanding The Entrance Channel and integrated management, and how the surrounding catchment affects water quality,” he said.
“We are so appreciative of everyone who took the time to participate and provide feedback last year.
“The Panel recognises that the Tuggerah Lakes community is clearly passionate about protecting these lakes.
“Despite differing viewpoints, everyone wants the best for the lakes now and into the future.
“We’re pleased to have had the opportunity to speak to so many people and hope the Panel’s report will become a line in the sand for the ongoing management of Tuggerah Lakes,” Glamore said.
The three forums will be themed to cover: catchment management; The Entrance management; and, water quality, including wrack and ooze.
The forums are open to everyone and will be held via Zoom.
Members of the Panel will briefly summarise their findings and recommendations before opening the forum to questions.
Residents are encouraged to submit questions ahead of time via the Tuggerah Lakes Expert Panel Facebook page.
The catchment management forum will be on Tuesday, August 3, from 7 to 8.30pm.
This forum will cover issues and recommendations related to the influence of the adjacent catchment on the lakes’ water quality including stormwater, increasing population and development and pollution.
Management of The Entrance will be the forum topic on Wednesday, August 4, from 7 8.30pm.
This forum will cover issues and recommendations related to how the entrance influences water quality in the lake system including why a permanent ocean entrance has not been recommended.
The topic of water quality will be on Thursday, August 5, from 7 to 8.30pm.
This forum will cover issues and recommendations related to water quality and ecological characteristics of the lakes themselves including issues concerning wrack and ooze on the shoreline.
Source:
Media release, July 15
Tuggerah Lakes Expert Panel