Photo courtesy of Brett Vercoe
City of Coffs Harbour is taking steps forward in enhancing the health of the catchment for Hearnes Lake in Woolgoolga, with a report outlining a proposed plan of action - including the establishment of a dedicated Task Force.
The Task Force proposes to include technical officers from Local Land Services, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Berries Australia, NSW Farmers, community and a representative from the City of Coffs Harbour in order to work collaboratively to enhance the health of the catchments surrounding Hearnes Lake.
Key elements of the proposed plan include engaging with agricultural operators within the area to address water quality impacts, providing waste disposal facilities, and regular property visits to ensure compliance with water quality improvement measures. A regular report will also be generated by the committee, outlining actions taken at each property.
"A clean Hearnes Lake is beneficial for all of us in the Coffs LGA to support our diverse ecosystems and to ensure our environmental sustainability," said Chris Chapman, Director City Planning & Communities at City of Coffs Harbour.
"This report is a clear step in the right direction to getting all of our stakeholders on board. Early discussions have been very supportive of the Task Force, with everyone acknowledging the need to collectively address these water quality concerns."
To ensure successful implementation, the City is allocating $70,000 from the Environmental Levy Major Strategic Programs and Projects in order to undertake the initial key steps identified in Stage 1 of the Scope of Works, with subsequent stages dependent on the commitment and contributions from stakeholders, including State Government agencies and industry representatives.
The commitment and cooperation of all stakeholders are crucial to the success of this project, which represents a significant step toward ensuring the long-term health and sustainability of the Hearnes Lake catchment.
The plan is also proposed to be scalable for implementation across other catchments within the Coffs Harbour Local Government Area and beyond, supporting the local economy by encouraging improved farming practices.
Stage 1 in the Scope of Works will be included in the City's 2023/24 Operational Plan.
