Seawalls, jetties and boat ramps What s the issue?
What could we do?
Residents on shallow lake shores dominated by organic sediments seek local access to deeper water and improved shoreline amenity
· Provide community access in locations which minimise impacts on seagrass and saltmarsh habitat. · Continue to implement controls on nutrient loads to the lakes from the catchment.
Jetties can affect light for seagrasses and increase boating activity impacts
· Do not approve jetties over sensitive seagrass areas. · Use mesh tops on jetties so that light can still reach seagrass underneath. · Locate jetties in places boat propellers and anchors will have least impact on sensitive seagrass beds.
Seawalls on tributary creeks protect the bank from erosion, but affect erosion of adjacent sections of bank and can degrade aquatic habitat
· Education/demonstration sites showing best practice designs.
Seawalls on the lake shore can remove small areas of saltmarsh and reduce the capacity of the lake to process seagrass wrack naturally
· Demonstration sites/designs showing alternative ways to manage eroding foreshores or to achieve easy access for small boats. · Incentives for landholders to remove existing seawalls where alternatives are feasible (and for high priority bays where seagrass recovery is important).
There is limited access to Tuggerah Lakes from public boat ramps. Ramps need careful siting to provide good recreational amenity and minimise impacts on sensitive habitats
· Detailed assessment of recreational needs at existing boat ramps and alternative sites. · Assess ecological values so ramps are not sited in high value seagrass meadows.
Some residents not complying with requirements for structures illegal development
· Awareness program on statutory requirements for approvals. · Education/demonstration sites showing appropriate designs habitat, bank protection and access outcomes.
Boating and swimming What s the issue?
What could we do?
Water quality at some beaches does not meet health guidlelines for swimming and small boats
· Continue to implement stormwater controls and education programs in the catchment. · Investigate causes of non compliance in problem areas. · Maintain sewage reticulation system to minimise overflows.
Noise from power boats and jet skis affects amenity of other foreshore users and residents
· Zoning or recreational boating areas of the waterway to minimise conflicts. · Boat speed limits in vicinity of waterfront development. · Restrict the use of noisy water craft in Tuggerah Lakes.
Wrack on the beach and in the water affects the suitability of some beaches for family swimming
· Target beach cleaning activities on beaches with highest recreational demand (eg Canton Beach).
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