ABOUT THE STUDY

The Bellingen Shire Council is currently undertaking an Estuary Management Study in order to establish a long-term management plan for the estuarine portion of the Bellinger and Kalang Rivers. The Study and Plan are being prepared by WBM Oceanics Australia and will build upon the Estuary Processes Study which was completed in 2003 (by Lawson and Treloar).

The study area for this project extends to the tidal reaches of Bellinger/Kalang Rivers and their major tributaries. The study area also includes the immediate catchments of the estuary as, these locations influence the health of the estuary and may become a focus for later management actions.

Through consultation with the local community, the Estuary Management Study aims to determine the Estuary's valuable attributes and the key threats facing these attributes. Using this information, the Estuary Management Study will develop a range of practical management objectives and strategies, including on the ground works that can be implemented to protect and enhance the Estuary's valuable attributes.

Management objectives and strategies will be incorporated in the Estuary Management Plan. The Estuary Management Plan assigns responsibilities and timeframes for the completion/implementation of agreed tasks.

Community input is vital to the development of an Estuary Management Plan (EMP) that addresses the key issues facing the estuary and river. The greater the level of community involvement, the more representative the EMP will be of community values. To be involved in the study please visit the Community Consultation page.