Central Coast Council is seeking Expressions of Interest from people who live or work on the coast to be part of a Community Focus Group (CFG) for the Tuggerah Lakes Estuary Coastal Management Program.
The Tuggerah Lakes Estuary catchment is about 790 square kilometres and takes in the plateaus of Kulnura and Somersby, the river valleys of Dooralong, Yarramalong and Ourimbah and the floodplains wrapping around the waterway from Lake Munmorah to Bateau Bay.
The Tuggerah Lakes Coastal Management Program is being developed to provide a long-term, strategic framework for managing the lakes and their catchment in an ecologically sustainable and community-informed way, according to Council.
The Coastal Management Plan is a legislative requirement under the NSW Coastal Management Act 2016, replacing the former Estuary Management Plan.
Key findings from community consultation in 2021 found that:
- 94.5% of respondents agreed that waterways are a significant reason they live on the Central Coast
- 98% said waterways contribute to personal health and wellbeing
- 96.5% supported enhanced protection of natural waterway features
- 69.2% supported increased funding for waterway management, even with a small rate increase
- Top values: recreational access, natural beauty, environmental health
- Top priorities: reducing pollutants, improving water quality, restoring habitats
Mayor, Lawrie McKinna, said the CFG is an opportunity for the community to help shape the future of the much-loved Tuggerah Lakes Estuary and its surrounding catchment.
“Council is inviting passionate community members to join us to explore the challenges and opportunities facing the Tuggerah Lakes Estuary,” Mayor McKinna said.
“Together we can help protect and enhance this iconic waterway for generations to come.”
Council Director Environment and Planning, Luke Nicholls said the ideal applicants for the CFG would include representatives from local resident associations, environmental or recreation groups, local business owners, Traditional Owners and Aboriginal community representatives, youth representatives and anyone who is passionate about the waterways.
“The CFG will support Stage 3 and Stage 4 of the Coastal Management Plan (CMP) development by providing input into the identification, evaluation and selection of management options for the estuary, ensuring community values and perspectives are reflected in the CMP,” Mr Nicholls said.
Expressions of Interest are open until Monday, December. 15.
Successful applicants will be notified in January 2026 and workshops will start in March 2026.
Terms of Reference and the application form is available on the Our Coast, Our Waterways page on yourvoiceourcoast.com
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