COUNCIL is inviting the community to help shape the future of the Port Macquarie-Hastings coastline as it moves into the next phase of its Coastal Management Program (CMP).
Port Macquarie Hastings Council has begun community engagement and consultation activities following the completion of detailed technical studies examining coastal processes, hazards and environmental values.
Council noted the Coastal Management Program – Coastal Hazard Assessment Results and Proposed Community Engagement Plan at its May Ordinary Meeting, allowing the next stage of consultation to proceed.
The CMP is a NSW Government-guided process designed to help councils better understand coastal risks and plan for the long-term management of coastlines and estuaries.
Port Macquarie Hastings Council coast and estuary co-ordinator Ben Foster said the studies provide an important foundation for future decision-making.
“This work is about understanding our coastline better and ensuring council plans responsibly for the future using the best available science and technical information,” Mr Foster said.
“We know coastal processes and hazards are complex topics and will change with time, which is why council is committed to a transparent and community-focused engagement process as we move into the next stages of the CMP.”
Council previously completed stage one of the program, which identified key coastal management issues, values and priorities.
Stage two involved scientific investigations into coastal processes, environmental health, recreational use and hazards including erosion, shoreline recession, tidal inundation and coastal inundation.
Stages three and four will focus on working with residents, stakeholders and government agencies to explore management options, assess risks and develop a draft long-term Coastal Management Program.
Mr Foster said community input would play a vital role in the process.
“Our coastline and waterways are a huge part of what makes our region special, and we want to hear directly from the community about the coastal locations they love and how they use them,” he said.
The completion of stage two and associated coastal vulnerability mapping does not introduce immediate planning changes or commit council to any specific management actions.
Residents can access reports, maps and educational resources through Council’s Have Your Say webpage and attend public drop-in sessions across Port Macquarie, Wauchope, Laurieton and Bonny Hills between June and July.
By Sis HIGGINS
You can help your local paper.
Make a small once-off, or (if you can) a regular donation.
We are an independent family owned business and our newspapers are free to collect and our news stories are free online.
Help support us into the future.
