Sussex Inlet, St Georges Basin, Swan Lake and Berrara Creek Coastal Management Program
This page provides information for the St Georges Basin, Sussex Inlet, Swan Lake, and Berrara Creek Coastal Management Programs (CMPs). Please visit the Shoalhaven Coastal Management Program Get Involved page for information regarding Council’s broader CMP program.
With 165kms of breathtaking coastline in the Shoalhaven LGA, Council understands the immense environmental, social, cultural, and economic value that this coastline provides for our community.
Shoalhaven City Council is currently developing Coastal Management Programs (CMPs) across the Shoalhaven to plan for the future of our coastline and estuaries, in accordance with the Coastal Management Act (2016). It considers historic events, currentContinue reading
This page provides information for the St Georges Basin, Sussex Inlet, Swan Lake, and Berrara Creek Coastal Management Programs (CMPs). Please visit the Shoalhaven Coastal Management Program Get Involved page for information regarding Council’s broader CMP program.
With 165kms of breathtaking coastline in the Shoalhaven LGA, Council understands the immense environmental, social, cultural, and economic value that this coastline provides for our community.
Shoalhaven City Council is currently developing Coastal Management Programs (CMPs) across the Shoalhaven to plan for the future of our coastline and estuaries, in accordance with the Coastal Management Act (2016). It considers historic events, current conditions, and future trends including population growth, environmental conditions, and climate change. CMP’s identify coastal management issues and the actions required to address these issues in a strategic and integrated way. It will also detail how and when those actions are to be implemented, their costs, and funding mechanisms.
There are five stages to developing a CMP, which are outlined in the Coastal Management Manual.
Sussex Inlet, St Georges Basin, Berrara and Swan Lake Background
Council’s adopted Citywide CMP Scoping Study (August 2020) (Stage 1) recommended that St Georges Basin, Sussex Inlet, Swan Lake, and Berrara Creek required CMPs. Council has applied for and successfully received a grant from the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment (DPIE) to develop these CMPs.
Council is now progressing to Stage 2 of the CMP process, where St Georges Basin, Sussex Inlet, Swan Lake, and Berrara Creek will undergo detailed assessment studies that will identify, analyse, and evaluate the risks for the estuaries. To carry out Stages 2 – 4 of the Coastal Management Program development for St Georges Basin, Sussex Inlet, Berrara Creek and Swan Lake, Council sought a suitably qualified consultant. Public request for tender has been advertised on Tenderlink and on Council's website and close on 3 August 2021.
Throughout Stage 3 of the CMP process, concerns and issues will be considered for the St Georges Basin, Sussex Inlet, Swan Lake, and Berrara Creek local area. Stage 3 includes the confirmation of strategic direction, identifying and evaluating potential management actions, further community and stakeholder engagement and the development of a draft business plan.
Community Engagement
Council will be working closely with its Coastal Management Advisory Committees, State Agency representatives, our local Aboriginal Communities and Custodians, youth, and the overall St Georges Basin, Sussex Inlet, Swan Lake, and Berrara Creek communities as the project progresses.
Community members will have several opportunities to provide input into the development of the CMP and to provide feedback on the draft document.
Stay Informed
To receive updates and follow the progress of this project, we encourage you to subscribe via the 'Stay Informed' function on this web page.
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Project Update
Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this linkCouncil would like to thank the CMP subscribers and the community for providing inputs and contributing to the preparation of our CMPs throughout 2022.
The Project Team is still busy reviewing and finalising the Stage 2 studies for the Sussex Inlet, St George Basin, Swan Lake and Berrara Creek CMP, and Council is optimistic to have them all completed by early 2023. Council held a successful workshop with state agencies to consult and discuss potential management actions for Stage 3 of the CMP, which are now refined by the Project Team. Once this process is completed, an online platform will be used to present and consult the proposed management actions from February 2023 with the community.
The CMP Project Team is wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays. Council looks forward to continue working with the community on the Sussex Inlet, St George Basin, Swan Lake and Berrara Creek CMP in 2023.
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Stage 2 Update
Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this linkYou may have noticed Council's environmental experts on the water, at Sussex Inlet, St Georges Basin, Swan Lake and Berrara Creek, undertaking consultation and assessing the conditions of the foreshore.
The Coastal Management Program (CMP) Stage 2 studies that are nearing completion involved several investigations, including:
- bank erosion survey and analysis
- coastal and tidal Inundation modelling for various future climate scenarios
- boating and navigation study to determine the main concerns, issues and threats for our community and its visitors
- water quality and estuary health analysis
- community consultation and surveys to further understands any gaps in the categories above that may have missed previously
Using this information, as well as your valuable input, Council's environmental experts, and environmental consultants, are undertaking the final review stages to start preparing a summary report for Stage 2 of the CMP. The report will provide new knowledge on risks for the Sussex Inlet, St.Georges Basin, Swan Lake and Berrara Creek area resulting from not only coastal and tidal inundation, sea level rise, bank erosion, entrance management and water quality studies but also integrated with the communities knowledge and concerns.
The Stage 2 summary report will be used for Stage 3 to inform and develop management actions to mitigate risks and prepare our coastal use areas along the Sussex Inlet, St.Georges Basin, Swan Lake and Berrara Creek area.
What to expect next...
Once the range of management actions have been prepared, the opportunity for community feedback on Stage 3 will be provided to share your thoughts on the range of drafted management actions for your local area.
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Successful Community Workshops
Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this linkThank you to the community members for their attendance and participation in the workshops for the Sussex Inlet, St Georges Basin, Swan Lake and Berrara Creek Coastal Management Programs on the 15 and 16 March 2022.
Our community raised important issues and concerns for the local area as well as put forward several ideas for possible solutions and management actions, creating a very positive, constructive and inclusive workshop.
The information captured will help inform and shape the development of these Coastal Management Programs which will provide a strategic frameworks for the next 10 years.
If you were unable to attend a session, you can still have your say through our Interactive Map.
Input through the mapping tool closes on Tuesday, 5 April 2022.
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Workshop Registrations
Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this linkWorkshop registrations have now closed.
If you would still like to attend please contact Nigel Smith via email nigel.smith@shoalhaven.nsw.gov.au or call 02 4429 5501.
Stage 2 Community Workshops and Information Drop-in sessions for the Sussex Inlet, St Georges Basin, Swan Lake and Berrara Creek Coastal Management Programs (CMPs) will be held on Tuesday 15 and Wednesday 16 March 2022.
Registration will close on 7 March 2022 - Register now as places are limited! Please note if workshops reach capacity, you may be asked to attend an additional workshop which will be scheduled if required.
Information Drop-in sessions will be run immediately following the workshops where community members can discuss the CMP with Council - all are welcome, no registration is required.
Date: Tuesday 15 March 2022
Where: Erowal Bay Public Hall, 19 King George St, Erowal Bay
Time: Workshop 4:30-6:00pm (registration essential), Information Drop-In Session 6:30-7:30pm (no registration required - all welcome)Date: Wednesday 16 March 202
Where: Sussex Inlet Community Centre, 21 Thomson Street, Sussex Inlet
Time: Workshop 4:30-6:00pm (registration essential), Information Drop-In Session 6:30-7:30pm (no registration required - all welcome)Please complete the Registration Form to secure your place.
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Workshops Expressions of Interest
Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this linkThank you for your feedback. please register for one of the workshops being held on 15 and 16 March 2022 through the online registration form published on this web page.
Stage 2 Community Workshops for the Sussex Inlet, St Georges Basin, Swan Lake and Berrara Creek CMP are being held in March 2022.
Please register your Expression of Interest (EOI) to attend the workshop by completing the Online Workshop EOI Form by 23 February 2022.
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New Interactive Map Feature
Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this linkAs part of Stage 2, Council would like to hear from the community about key issues and concerns impacting these areas and to obtain ideas on how best to manage them.
One of the ways that you can provide your insight is to visit the Interactive Map and use the categorised marker pins provided to make a comment about:
- issues, problems or concerns that you are aware of in the St. Georges Basin, Sussex Inlet, Swan Lake and Berrara Creek Coastal area
- ideas you have that could address the issue.
Your input will help shape and inform the development of possible management options that you will be invited to review and comment on in the coming stages.
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Watch Short Video to Learn About the Program
Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this linkTake a look at our short video explaining what you need to know about the Sussex Inlet, St Georges Basin, Swan Lake and Berrara Creek Coastal Management Program (CMP).
The video outlines:
- what the CMP aims to achieve
- how it will be developed, and
- how and when you can Get Involved in its preparation.
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Stage 2 Boating Survey
Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this linkCouncil is thankful for the vast input from the community for the Stage 2 Boating survey that is currently active.
If you haven’t already provided your feedback, please complete the Online Survey to have your say.
The survey closes on Friday, 4 February 2022.
The opportunity for further engagement to gain insight into other key issues and risks impacting our estuaries, and how best to manage them, will be available in the coming weeks.
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Boating Study Survey and Drop-in Sessions
Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this linkA study focusing on boating facilities within Sussex Inlet, St Georges Basin, Swan Lake and Berrara Creek is required to be undertaken as part of Stage 2 of the Coastal Management Program (CMP) for the area.
The study will assess a variety of issues, including:
- whether there is sufficient capacity for vessels
- a need to improve existing facilities
- an ability to reduce conflict between water users, or
- opportunities to reduce the impact of boating on the surrounding environment.
Survey and Drop-in Sessions
As part of this study, Shoalhaven City Council is seeking input from the community through a survey and community drop-in sessions.
You are invited to complete the Online Survey by 4 February 2022.
Alternatively, to complete the survey in person, our consultants Advisian, will be hosting a session for the community where you can drop by, meet the team, find out more about the study and fill out the survey.
Two community drop-in sessions will be held on Saturday 27 November at:
- 9.00 - 11.00am, Saturday 27 November at Lions Park Boat Ramp
- 1.00 - 3.00pm, Saturday 27 November at St Georges Basin Boat Ramp
If you have any questions or would like to request a hardcopy of the survey, please contact Council's Coastal Management Program Coordinator, Nigel Smith - email nigel.smith@shoalhaven.nsw.gov.au or phone 0437 761 473.
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Stages 2 - 4 Delivery – Consultants Engaged
Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this linkIn September 2021, Council commissioned the consultancy team of Advisian Pty Ltd to undertake Stages 2 to 4 of this Coastal Management Program (CMP).
It is anticipated that it will take approximately 15 months to progress through Stages 2 to 4. The development of the program will include extensive engagement with the local community, business owners, community groups, indigenous groups, and relevant government agencies.
What happens in Stage 2?
The project is now commencing Stage 2. The purpose of this stage is to understand the issues that affect the environmental, social, cultural, and economic values of St. Georges Basin, Sussex Inlet, Berrara Creek, and Swan Lake. Stage 2 will consider historical events, current conditions, and future trends (including population growth, and climate change).
Stage 2 will define the coastal hazards within the area, modelling and mapping of the region and create a risk assessment based on the hazard mapping models. This will help 'complete the picture' of the various kinds of hazards that affect our coastline.
This stage will take place across late 2021 through to early 2022. The next stage, Stage 3, will then develop potential management actions that can address key risks, and preserve what we love about St. Georges Basin, Sussex Inlet, Berrara Creek, and Swan Lake.
How can I be involved?
We’d like anybody who is interested in, values, or lives near the coast to have a say in its management.
Council has developed this Get Involved page for the project, which will provide relevant information on the CMP, regular progress updates, and provide a number of ways for the community to have their say. Please forward any questions you have on this project through the 'Questions' tab on this Get Involved web page.
Council is excited to work alongside a highly experienced and professional team at Advisian to develop this CMP. Council will be working closely with the Central Coastal Management Program Advisory Committee and wider community as the project progresses.
Follow Project
Lifecycle
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Stage 1 - Identify Scope of CMP
Sussex Inlet, St Georges Basin, Swan Lake and Berrara Creek Coastal Management Program has finished this stageAugust 2020
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Stage 2 - Determine risks, vulnerabilities, and opportunities
Sussex Inlet, St Georges Basin, Swan Lake and Berrara Creek Coastal Management Program is currently at this stageEarly 2022
- Boating Study (December 2021 - February 2022) - Survey closed
- Community Workshops (March 2022) and Interactive mapping - Closed
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Stage 3 - Identify and evaluate options
this is an upcoming stage for Sussex Inlet, St Georges Basin, Swan Lake and Berrara Creek Coastal Management ProgramMid 2023
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Stage 4 - Prepare, exhibit and finalise CMP
this is an upcoming stage for Sussex Inlet, St Georges Basin, Swan Lake and Berrara Creek Coastal Management ProgramLate 2023
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Stage 5 - Implement, monitor, evaluate and report
this is an upcoming stage for Sussex Inlet, St Georges Basin, Swan Lake and Berrara Creek Coastal Management ProgramFrom Mid 2024
Documents
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Coastal Management Program Development Process Brochure
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Coastal Management Advisory Committees: Terms of Reference
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St Georges Basin and Sussex Inlet - Local Plans and Priority Issues
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Sussex Inlet CMP - Water Quality Poster
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Sussex Inlet CMP - Inundation Erosion Poster
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Sussex Inlet CMP - Heritage Poster
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Sussex Inlet CMP - Ecology Poster
Who's Listening
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Phone 1300 293 111 Email coastal.management@shoalhaven.nsw.gov.au