Bushfire Affected Coastal Waterways

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The 2019-2020 ‘Black Summer’ bushfires that burned across the Shoalhaven, Eurobodalla and Bega Valley affected more than one million hectares and impacted approximately 47 estuaries and coastal catchments. A diverse range of landscapes and ecosystems were also affected including rainforests, wet sclerophyll forests, heathlands and sensitive waterways and aquatic ecosystems. Many of these areas provide habitat and support for threatened animal species.

The fires were immediately followed by large amounts of rainfall that generated large volumes of surface runoff and flooding, which triggered large-scale mobilisation of ash, soils and sediment.

Shoalhaven City Council, Eurobodalla Shire Council and Bega Valley Shire Council have received joint grant funding from the NSW Government, under the NSW Bushfire Affected Coastal Waterways Program, to develop a South-East Catchment and Waterways Bushfire Recovery Plan.

All three Councils also received funding from the NSW Government for on-ground works. For the Shoalhaven this includes funding to undertake the Shoalhaven Local Government Area (LGA) Catchment Stabilisation and Ecological Monitoring Works Project.

South-East Catchment and Waterways Bushfire Recovery Plan

Alluvium Consulting Australia Pty Ltd was engaged by Shoalhaven City Council to prepare a the Catchment and Waterways Bushfire Recovery Plan for south-east NSW on behalf of Shoalhaven City Council, Eurobodalla Shire Council and Bega Valley Shire Council. The plan aims to provide consistency and efficiency in the recovery efforts across all three LGAs.

The objective of the plan is to prioritise high-risk sites for targeted ecological restoration activities to aid bushfire recovery and build environmental resilience.

This plan was completed in November 2021.

Shoalhaven LGA Catchment Stabilisation and Ecological Monitoring Works

The objective of this project is to monitor the water quality of high-risk estuaries and implement ecological restoration works at priority sites within the Shoalhaven as set out in the South-East Catchment and Waterways Bushfire Recovery Plan.

Shoalhaven City Council will endeavour to implement the ecological restoration activities at priority sites over the next 2 years. Further funding will be required to implement additional sites throughout the project. Further funding may be required to implement activities at additional sites and achieve longer-term actions.

In November 2020 monthly water quality monitoring commenced at the following estuaries within the Shoalhaven LGA:

  • Shoalhaven River
  • St. George’s Basin
  • Swan Lake
  • Lake Conjola
  • Burrill Lake
  • Lake Tabourie
  • Narrawallee Inlet.

The water quality monitoring program was completed in April 2023.

The funding for this project is scheduled for completion in June 2024.

Stay Informed

Subscribe for updates on this project via the 'Stay Informed' function on this web page.

The 2019-2020 ‘Black Summer’ bushfires that burned across the Shoalhaven, Eurobodalla and Bega Valley affected more than one million hectares and impacted approximately 47 estuaries and coastal catchments. A diverse range of landscapes and ecosystems were also affected including rainforests, wet sclerophyll forests, heathlands and sensitive waterways and aquatic ecosystems. Many of these areas provide habitat and support for threatened animal species.

The fires were immediately followed by large amounts of rainfall that generated large volumes of surface runoff and flooding, which triggered large-scale mobilisation of ash, soils and sediment.

Shoalhaven City Council, Eurobodalla Shire Council and Bega Valley Shire Council have received joint grant funding from the NSW Government, under the NSW Bushfire Affected Coastal Waterways Program, to develop a South-East Catchment and Waterways Bushfire Recovery Plan.

All three Councils also received funding from the NSW Government for on-ground works. For the Shoalhaven this includes funding to undertake the Shoalhaven Local Government Area (LGA) Catchment Stabilisation and Ecological Monitoring Works Project.

South-East Catchment and Waterways Bushfire Recovery Plan

Alluvium Consulting Australia Pty Ltd was engaged by Shoalhaven City Council to prepare a the Catchment and Waterways Bushfire Recovery Plan for south-east NSW on behalf of Shoalhaven City Council, Eurobodalla Shire Council and Bega Valley Shire Council. The plan aims to provide consistency and efficiency in the recovery efforts across all three LGAs.

The objective of the plan is to prioritise high-risk sites for targeted ecological restoration activities to aid bushfire recovery and build environmental resilience.

This plan was completed in November 2021.

Shoalhaven LGA Catchment Stabilisation and Ecological Monitoring Works

The objective of this project is to monitor the water quality of high-risk estuaries and implement ecological restoration works at priority sites within the Shoalhaven as set out in the South-East Catchment and Waterways Bushfire Recovery Plan.

Shoalhaven City Council will endeavour to implement the ecological restoration activities at priority sites over the next 2 years. Further funding will be required to implement additional sites throughout the project. Further funding may be required to implement activities at additional sites and achieve longer-term actions.

In November 2020 monthly water quality monitoring commenced at the following estuaries within the Shoalhaven LGA:

  • Shoalhaven River
  • St. George’s Basin
  • Swan Lake
  • Lake Conjola
  • Burrill Lake
  • Lake Tabourie
  • Narrawallee Inlet.

The water quality monitoring program was completed in April 2023.

The funding for this project is scheduled for completion in June 2024.

Stay Informed

Subscribe for updates on this project via the 'Stay Informed' function on this web page.

  • Expression of Interest - Bushfire Affected Coastal Waterways

    Funding is available to support Shoalhaven property owners with ongoing environmental issues caused by the Black Summer 2019-20 bushfires.

    As part of their Bushfire Affected Coastal Waterways Program, the NSW Government is provided funding for the recovery of our coastal waterways. The focus is on the erosion and sedimentation issues impacting waterway health.

    Council is calling for Expressions of Interest (EOIs) from property owners in relation to erosion and sediment control issues impacting on our local waterways, including bank stabilisation, fencing off riparian areas, revegetation and weed control.

    Please complete the EOI form below.

    Please note: Funding is limited, and all requests will need to be assessed against the project objectives and priorities

    Complete Form
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Page last updated: 04 Mar 2024, 10:12 AM