Rescue for Coastal Lakes

Friday, 28 June 2002 10:00

 Calling for the immediate Government adoption of the recommendations in the Healthy Rivers Commission's Final Report into Coastal Lakes, the Total Environment Centre said there are problems besetting the State's coastal lakes and we need to lift their position on the political agenda.

"All that is needed is for the Government to immediately adopt all recommendations made by the Commission and include them in its overall coastal protection package," said TEC coastal campaigner Fran Kelly.

"Among the most far-sighted recommendations is the call for lake by lake assessments and management plans to match, the establishment of an Independent Coastal Lakes Expert Group, far stronger statutory controls and regulations over current and future planning and development decisions affecting lakes, and, best of all, the formalising of these and other recommendations through a State Environment Planning Policy (SEPP) to give them the backbone they need," said Ms Kelly.

"It is no longer a matter of questions over whether development affects coastal lake health or not - the comparison of pristine Nadgee in the far south which has no development in its catchment with over-developed and used Lake Ainsworth in Ballina Shire where oxygen is being pumped in to keep it alive - says it all. There needs to be a massive shift in the way lakes are treated and this Inquiry has shown a way it can be done." Said Ms Kelly

"The Commission has taken a very sensible approach to dealing with each lake, classifying them according to their current state of health and recommending realistic actions and outcomes suited to restoring and preserving each one," said Ms Kelly

"It is sad but true that all but one of NSW's 90 coastal lakes are suffering to varying degrees from impacts of human activity and development. From blue-green algae problems on Myall Lakes to oyster contamination from polluted run off on Wallis Lake to the over urbanisation of lakes around Sydney, each one can only be restored and preserved as far as is practical," said Ms Kelly

"Only 16 lakes are in relatively pristine condition. They have been given Comprehensive Protection classification requiring strong limits and controls on any further development or activity in their catchments and their restoration to as pristine a state as possible. Another 27 have been given Significant Protection classification where recommendations for restoration and protection are almost as strong,"

"The lack of recognition of the fragility and finite nature of coastal lakes, the disgusting state that some of them have been allowed to fall into, the continued blatant disregard for protecting them by many councils along the coast as more and more development with its side affects is approved has meant the Coastal Lakes Inquiry recommendations are needed now," said Ms Kelly.

Following is a list of NSW coastal lakes and the classifications they have been given. There are likely to be one or more in each local area so reference can be made to them. The Report is available from the Healthy Rivers Commssion (tel 9231 2977) or can be seen on their website: www.hrc.nsw.gov.au if further details are needed.

Classification 1: Comprehensive Protection (highest category for healthy or near pristine lakes)
Coastal Lakes: Arragan, Bondi, Bournda, Brou, Brunderee, Durras, Hiawatha, Meroo, Minnie Water, Nadgee, Nargal, Nelson, Saltwater Lake, Tarouga, Termeil, Wollumboola.
Outcomes: - ALL natural ecosystem processes restored and preserved, drinking quality water (where relevant) and existing villages maintained within boundaries in the catchments.
Classification 2: Significant Protection
Coastal Lakes: Back, Baragoot, Bingie (Kelly's), Bunga, Cakora, Candlagan, Conjola (inc. Berringer), Corunna, Cuttagee, Dulhousie, Deep, Goolawah, Innes, Meringo, Middle (Tanja), Mummuga (Dalmeny), Myall, Oyster, Queens, Smiths, Swan, Tabourie, Wallagoot, Wapengo, Willinga
Outcomes: CRITICAL natural ecosystem processes restored and preserved, minimal risk for oyster growing (where relevant), existing villages maintained within current boundaries and sustainable fishing
(Back may be changed following further assessment)
Classification 3: Healthy Modified Conditions
Coastal Lakes: Avoca, Bullengella, Burrill, Brush (Swan), Cathie, Cobaki-Terranora, Cockrone, Coila (Kyaily), Congo, Cudgen, Curalo, Hearns, Kianga, Killalea, Koloa, Little (Wallaga), Long Swamp, Merimbula, Mullimburra, Murrah, Nangudga, Narrabeen, Marrawallee, Pambula, Saltwater Lagoon, St Georges Basin, The Broadwater, Tilba Tilba, Tuross, Wagonga, Wallaga, Wallis, Wamberal, Watsons Taylor, Werri, Woolgoolga
Outcomes: KEY natural and/or highly valued modified ecosystem processes to be rehabilitated and retained and urban/village/rural residential areas maintained and/or expanded within defined limits
(Burrill, St Georges Basin, Tuross, Wagonga, Wallaga could well change classification following further assessment)
Classification 4: Targeted Repair (lakes in worst health)
Coastal Lakes: Ainsworth, Bellambi, Corindi, Curl Curl, Dee Why, Illawarra, Little (Narooma), Macquarie, Manly, Terrigal, Tuggerah (inc. Munmorah and Budgewoi).
Outcomes: Habitat conditions for key selected species established, reduce algal bloom frequency, existing urban areas retained or expanded within defined limits, and aesthetic value and amenity value maintained.