Agenda of Shoalhaven Natural Resource & Floodplain Management Committee

Minutes of the Shoalhaven Natural Resource & Floodplain Management Committee

Meeting Date: Thursday, 7 September 2017

Location: Sussex Inlet Community Centre, Thompson St, Sussex Inlet

Time: 4.05 pm

The following members were present:

Clr Amanda Findley - Chairperson

Clr Kaye Gartner

Clr Mark Kitchener

Clr John Levett

Clr Patricia White

Mr Duncan Marshall

Dr Michael Brungs

Mr Dirk Treloar

Ms Helen Moody

Mr David Reynolds

Mr Brett Stevenson

Mr Chris Grounds

Mr Mike Clear

Mr Paul Beckett

Mr Peter Hanson

Ms Robyn Flack

Mr Bill McInnes

Mr Ian Borrowdale

Mr Danny Wiecek

Mr Matt Carr

Mr Jillian Reynolds

Mr Jason Carson

Mr Phil Costello - Director, Planning Environment and Development (General Manager’s nominee)

Others present:

Ms Kelie Clarke - Environmental Services Manager

Alasdair Stratton – Natural Resources & Floodplain Unit Manager

Jessica Rippon – Executive Manager, Communications

Coralie Bell – Section Manager, Tourism

Ray Massie – Coast & Estuaries Officer

Janice Natt – President, Safe Navigation Action Group

Clr Findley acknowledged the Traditional Owners of the land by paying respect to Elders past and present.

Apologies / Leave of Absence

An apology was received from Clr Cheyne, David McCorkell, Ian Stewart, Annie Boutland, Kaye Milsom, John Murtagh, Allan Lugg, Ian Stewart and David Zerafa.

Confirmation of the Minutes

RESOLVED (By consent)

That the Minutes of the Shoalhaven Natural Resource & Floodplain Management Committee held on Tuesday 06 June 2017 be confirmed.

CARRIED

Presentations

Robyn Flack provided a PowerPoint presentation on behalf of the Shoalhaven Heads Estuary Task Force. Robyn advised that the Task Force is seeking the support and assistance of the Shoalhaven Natural Resources and Floodplain Management Committee with regard to protecting Shoalhaven Heads from flood, erosion events and sea level rise by relocating the sand within the basin to protect the river bank and meet the recreation, tourism and boating needs of the community.

The Committee discussed the information provided by Robyn later in the meeting under Item SN17.17.

SN17.12 Coralie Bell - Tourism Manager - Sustainable Tourism Model

HPERM Ref: D17/287525

Coralie Bell, Tourism Manager, provided the Committee with an update regarding the Sustainable Tourism Model currently being drafted, noting the four cornerstones of sustainable tourism, community, environment, economy and customer.

The issue of the importance of National Parks in tourism and was raised. Coralie assured the Committee that Tourism is working on building relationships with the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) and confirmed that NPWS has a representative member on Council’s Shoalhaven Tourism Advisory Group.

The Committee agreed that balance and sustainability is important and discussed:

Sustainable growth and balance with economic growth
Pets on beaches
Threat to shorebirds
Unspoilt campaign
Caravanning and camping
Promotion of tourism in the Shoalhaven for the “off” season, for instance, food and wine and inland touring

Coralie spoke about the interactive reporting tool “Dashboard”, which is currently under development, noting that when it is at the draft stage it will come back to the Committee for feedback. Coralie suggested that the Committee view the Tourism Optimisation Management (TOMM) Model used by Kangaroo Island http://www.tourkangarooisland.com.au/tourism-optimisation-management

The following members expressed an interest in providing feedback on Council’s Sustainable Tourism Model:

David Reynolds
Brett Stevenson
Mike Clear
Chris Grounds
Jason Carson
Clr Levett
Dirk Treloar
Paul Beckett
Helen Moody
Matt Carr

SN17.13 Jessica Rippon - Communications Executive Manager - Integrated Strategic Plan

HPERM Ref: D17/287536

Jessica Rippon, Communications Executive Manager, provided an overview of Council’s Integrated Strategic Plan (ISP) and spoke about how the environment fits into the long term planning for Council. The ISP can be viewed on Council’s website http://shoalhaven.nsw.gov.au/My-Council/Integrated-Strategic-Plan

Jessica spoke about the ISP key priorities and key indicators.

Kelie Clarke noted that Council is seeking to embed the environmental strategies into its Strategic Plan, so the environment is a consideration in everything it does.

The issue of loss of habitat and impingement of urban development was raised. Clr Gartner spoke about the purpose of Council’s Sustainable Futures Committee including its focus on efficiency measures, environmentally sustainable living and business.

Reports

SN17.14 Crown Land Management Act 2016

HPERM Ref: D17/240505

The issue of the South Pacific Heathland Reserve Trust was raised by Helen Moody and Clr Findley suggested that the Trust may wish to write to the relevant Minister requesting that the trust stays in trust and David Reynolds may wish to write an individual letter to the Minister.

Recommendation (Item to be determined under delegated authority)

That the Shoalhaven Natural Resource and Floodplain Management Committee receive the report for information.

RESOLVED (Clr White / Helen Moody)

That:

1. The Shoalhaven Natural Resource and Floodplain Management Committee receive the report regarding the Crown Management Act 2016 for information.

2. Any further updates be reported to the Shoalhaven Natural Resource and Floodplain Management Committee.

CARRIED

SN17.15 Consideration of a possible additional membership for an Oyster Farmer/Primary Industry Producer

HPERM Ref: D17/216648

Members discussed the issue and it was suggested if the SNRFMC needed input from a special interest group they could be invited to address the Committee.

Recommendation

That the Committee adopt the report for information and not recommend to Council an increase in membership.

RESOLVED (Chris Grounds / David Reynolds)

That the Shoalhaven Natural Resources & Floodplain Management Committee:

1. Adopt the report for information.

2. Not recommend to Council an increase in membership.

3. Invite special interest group/s to address the Committee should specific knowledge or input be required.

CARRIED

SN17.16 Update on preparation of the Scoping Study for Council's Coastal Management Plan

HPERM Ref: D17/248599

Kelie Clarke advised that the Scoping Study will not be placed on public exhibition, and will go to Council for adoption. Once the Study has been adopted a consultant will be engaged.

Kelie asked the Committee to nominate three (3) community members to participate in a working group with staff to assist in the development and preparation of the Scoping Study for Council’s Coastal Management Plan.

Chris Grounds, Brett Stevenson and Dirk Treloar volunteered to participate in the working group.

The draft document can be made available to interested members of the committee and the draft Scoping Study will be reported back to the Committee for information.

Recommendation

The Committee nominate three (3) community members to participate in a working group with staff to assist in the development and preparation of Scoping Study for Council’s Coastal Management Plan as required by the NSW Government’s Stage 2 Coastal Reforms.

RESOLVED (By consent)

The Shoalhaven Natural Resource & Floodplain Management Committee nominates Chris Grounds, Brett Stevenson and Dirk Treloar to participate in a working group with staff to assist in the development and preparation of Scoping Study for Council’s Coastal Management Plan as required by the NSW Government’s Stage 2 Coastal Reforms.

CARRIED

Addendum Reports

SN17.17 Robyn Flack - Shoalhaven Heads Estuary Taskforce Presentation

HPERM Ref: D17/289719

NSW Grant funding applications and Shoalhaven Heads Estuary Taskforce River Road Stormwater and Erosion Control project has been shortlisted for a formal grant application with the NSW Department of Premier and Cabinet.

Council has looked at the storm water drains and the engineering team that undertook the investigation advised that the drains could not be removed but could be consolidated and improved. $300,000 will be committed for the upgrade of stormwater drains. It has been identified that rock riventment work needs to be done and a grant application has been lodged for these costs to be covered. Other work included in the grant application is for restoration of the foreshore.

Concerns were raised by Robyn Flack with regard to moving the stormwater drains and discussion followed.

Kelie reassured Robyn that Council will continue to work with the community to deliver a good outcome for Shoalhaven Heads that looks good and addresses the environmental problems.

RESOLVED (Clr White / Robyn Flack)

That the Shoalhaven Heads Community Forum continue to work with Council staff on the overall project of the grant application

CARRIED

SN17.18 University of Wollongong - Coastal hazard assessment based on sediment budgeting, Southern NSW - ARC Research Partnership Grant Application

HPERM Ref: D17/260528

Clr Levett left at 5.29 pm

Kelie Clarke spoke about the requirements of the reforms. The research project is partnering with the Office of Environment and Heritage and University of Wollongong. This is a pilot project.

Recommendation

That Council commit to providing $5,000 per year over three (3) years (2017/18, 2018/19 & 2019/20) from Council’s coast and estuaries program (15931) to the University of Wollongong towards the Coastal hazard assessment based on sediment budgeting, southern NSW project, if the grant application is successful

Recommendation (By consent)

CARRIED

SN17.19 Announcement of 2017/18 and 2018/19 Coast and Estuary Program Grant Funding Opportunities - Seeking feedback from SNR&FC

HPERM Ref: D17/275098

Alasdair Stratton, Natural Resources & Floodplain Unit Manager, asked the Committee for their input regarding selection and prioritisation of potential grant projects, noting that 2 or 3 applications would be submitted.

The Committee provided input on the selection and identified three priorities for potential grant application projects.

Recommendation (Item to be determined under delegated authority)

Receive the report for information and provide input on the selection and prioritisation of potential grant application projects.

RESOLVED (By consent)

That the Shoalhaven Natural Resource & Floodplain Management Committee:

1. Receive the report for information

2. Identify the following three (3) priorities for potential grant application projects

o Mollymook Foreshore Emergency Works

o Remediation Action Plan – Broughton Creek Floodplain

o Nature Assisted Beach Enhancement (NAB) for the Shoalhaven’s 40 Beach Compartments

CARRIED

Other business

SN17.20 Additional Item: Developing a strategic approach and associated planning for management, conservation and protection of the natural environment

Duncan Marshall submitted an additional agenda item on behalf of Ian Stewart and the following was tabled for the Committee’s consideration.

Background: At the last Committee meeting a motion in relation to Council developing a strategic approach and associated planning for the management, conservation and protection of the natural environment was unanimously carried with only one dissenting view. It will be important for this Committee to be advised of the progress being made in developing and implementing such a strategic approach.

Committee members will then be able to make an ongoing contribution to help inform, shape, monitor and review this strategy, especially in relation to the high level vision, values, principles, goals and priorities.

Council's current strategic approach includes the tourism promotion view that high levels of sustained growth and development are both desirable and feasible. This appears to be at odds with what the community stated unequivocally during the recent consultation and also what is actually sustainable before the area changes dramatically and the natural environment and sensitive ecosystems are damaged.

There is mounting evidence that increasing numbers of visitors and residents are changing this once relatively 'unspoilt' area. It is also clear that development pressure is encroaching on areas that are sensitive to human impacts, such as Narrawallee / Mollymook and Vincentia / Jervis Bay, where significant areas of the natural environment have been and are continuing to be bulldozed and transformed into suburban residential areas and commercial precincts.

At the very least the implications of these current strategic directions should be considered carefully by this Committee as an important part of our role and responsibility.

In view of these current strategic directions all activity for increasing tourism numbers should take account of the implications of this for impacted areas. So that ratepayers are not bearing the burden, all tourism developments should be required to establish a business case which includes a contribution of funds for required infrastructure, maintenance and compliance costs to preserve our natural environment.

One related matter is also pressing. It is the responsibility of NPWS to manage areas under their direct control. Council however has a shared responsibility, for the impact of their contentious dog walking policy for example, for what they are encouraging (through the very active 'pet friendly' / 'unspoiled Shoalhaven' tourism promotions) and directing (through signage) dog owners to access vulnerable, unspoiled beach environments and ecosystems. At the very least there is an urgent need for information and awareness raising, regulation and compliance controls to manage the increasing impacts of human activity in sensitive areas such as Conjola / Narrawallee. Ideally this should be aligned and jointly undertaken by Council and NPWS.

RESOLVED (By consent)

1. The following motions submitted by Ian Stewart be considered by Staff and reported back to the Shoalhaven Natural Resource & Floodplain Management Committee:

a. Strategic approach progress - the Committee be regularly advised of the progress being made in developing and implementing Council's strategic approach to managing the natural environment so that committee members are able to make an ongoing contribution to help inform, shape, monitor and review this strategy, especially in relation to the high level vision, values, principles, goals and priorities.

b. Evaluating development impacts

i. Implications of the current strategic directions on the natural environment, especially in relation to tourism and residential development impacts, should be considered carefully by this Committee as an important part of our role and responsibility.

ii. All tourism developments should be required to establish a business case which includes a contribution of funds for required infrastructure, maintenance and compliance costs to preserve our natural environment

c. Practical collaborative management of impacts - Shared responsibility with NPWS for information and awareness raising, regulation and compliance controls to manage the increasing impacts of human activity, such as dog walking in sensitive natural environments, should be aligned and jointly undertaken.

2. Ian Stewart and other relevant Committee members to be invited to a meeting so that Staff can brief members further on Council’s strategic approach.

CARRIED

There being no further business, the meeting concluded, the time being 6.25 pm.

Clr Amanda Findley

CHAIRPERSON

Shoalhaven Natural Resource & Floodplain Management Committee – Thursday 23 November 2017

Page 8

SN17.21 Updates on the Shoalhaven River and St Georges Basin Floodplain Risk Management Study & Plan and Shoalhaven River Levee Flood Damage Restoration 2017 project

HPERM Ref: D17/348457

Group: Planning Environment & Development Group

Section: Environmental Services

Attachments: 1. Shoalhaven River Levee August 2015 and June 2016 Flood Damage sites including Levee Audit Defect sites ⇩

Purpose / Summary

The purpose of this report is to inform the Committee about the updates on Shoalhaven River and St Georges Basin Floodplain Risk Management Study & Plan and Shoalhaven River Levee Flood Damage Restoration 2017 projects.

Recommendation (Item to be determined under delegated authority)

That Committee receive the report for information.

Options

1. The committee receive the report for information.

Implications: Nil.

2. The Committee could choose to provide an alternative recommendation for future consideration by Council.

Implications: Unknown

Background

Flood Levee Restoration Project 2017:

Shoalhaven City Council has commenced a project to repair damaged sections of the Shoalhaven River Levees. This work will repair damage that occurred during the August 2015 flood, June 2016 flood and levee audit defects (levee audit done by Royal Haskoning Pty Ltd in May 2015). See attachment 1 for the defect locations.

Council subsequently went out to tender in March/April 2017 and again in July 2017 seeking tenders for the restoration works. No complying tenders were received and as a result of the request process.

The lack of complying tenders was obviously a concern to Council and reflective of marketplace conditions experienced at this time. Council’s project team, including Public Works Advisory Project Management team, undertook a review of the project with a view to breaking it down into components that may be more attractive to prospective tenderers.

As a result the following actions were undertaken;

· Four tender packages were created from the initial single tender, as per Council resolution dated 27 June 2017.

· A detailed survey of the levee was undertaken to give a greater level of detail of the damage to the levee and give Council further insight into the work required, particularly in regard to volumes of fill and levee heights,

· Council contacted several flood affected councils and relevant state agencies to find out suitable contractors to create a targeted contractor panel. Based on the search, Council created a targeted panel of 25 contractors that includes the local contractors that are experienced in carrying out such works .

· Council received the pre-approval letter from NPWS to conduct repair works at their property at Comerong Island. Council is pursuing Crownlands license to get the license prior to engage a contractor.

· Council resolved on 27 June 2017 that the ‘contract document and any other associated documents be executed on behalf of the Council in accordance with Cl 165 of the Local Government Regulation by the General Manager (Director of Planning, Environment and Development)’. This approach will save time by avoiding council meeting delays.

Having regard to the delays as outlined above Council has lodged an application for an extension of time in regard to the Natural Disaster Relief Authority (NDRA) grant funding, such extension would take the project deadline to 30/06/2019. Council also submitted revised NDRA claims for August 2015 and June 2016 flood damages, to cover additional expenditures having regard to the Review of Environmental Factors. The outcomes of both the revised claims are pending.

Finally, Council released two tenders on 19 October with a closing date on 16 November 2017 to repair levees at the highest priority sites at Terara and Comerong Island. It is hoped that a suitably qualified contractor can be engaged by December 2017. A separate tender package for the levee at Numbaa is expected to be released later in November 2017 followed by the engagement of a contractor by Feb/March 2018. The remaining levee sites that have time restrictions in it will be released by April 2018 followed by a contractor engagement in June 2018.

Floodplain Risk Management Study and Plan – Lower Shoalhaven River and St Georges Basin:

Council called Tenders for the Lower Shoalhaven River Floodplain Risk Management Study & Plan and the St Georges Basin Floodplain Risk Management Study & Plan on 16 May 2017, which closed at 10:00 am on 8 June 2017. Council received three (3) tenders at the time of closing.

Council resolved to select Cardno as the preferred tenderer. In addition, Council resolved to allocate the additional Council contribution and seek the maximum allowable increase of 30% grant funding from NSW Office of Environment and Heritage (OEH) to allow commencement of the Lower Shoalhaven River Floodplain Risk Management Study & Plan and the St Georges Basin Floodplain Risk Management Study & Plan tender.

Council received additional funding allocation from NSW OEH, increasing funding by 50% of the original grant amount. Council would be required to cater for the remaining shortfall as resolved above.

An amended workplan has been submitted to NSW OEH and approved, and Council now has commenced engaging Cardno to undertake both the Lower Shoalhaven River Floodplain Risk Management Study & Plan and the St Georges Basin Floodplain Risk Management Study & Plan.

Community Engagement

Flood Levee Restoration Project 2017:

Council’s floodplain engineers and property unit officers have visited private properties and met with property owners to discuss access and levee repair works to be conducted on their properties. Council received 21 signed Deeds from the damaged levee affected private property owners and is negotiating to get the remaining 2 Deeds of Agreement signed by the relevant property owners.

Floodplain Risk Management Study and Plan – Lower Shoalhaven River and St Georges Basin:

Advancing Council’s long-term floodplain management program ensures that economic, social and environmental factors relating to the management of floodplains within the Shoalhaven are considered, documented and implemented in Council’s planning programs and policies.

Policy Implications

Flood Levee Restoration Project 2017:

Council manages levees in the Lower Shoalhaven River area, which are identified in Council’s Asset Management Plan for Flood Mitigation Structures’.

Financial Implications

Floodplain Risk Management Study and Plan – Lower Shoalhaven River and St Georges Basin:

Funding for the Lower Shoalhaven River and St Georges Basin Floodplain Risk Management Study and Plan has been provided for under the NSW State Government ‘Floodplain Management Program’ on a 2:1 basis. Council’s matching 1/3 contribution comes from the existing general Floodplain Management Program budget.

An additional Council contribution is required to complete both studies and plans. Council resolved to fund the short fall (MIN17.635C).

The project is for the provision of consultancy works and will not have any direct or immediate implications on Council’s assets. The studies will be undertaken by consultants who will be managed by staff from the Natural Resources and Floodplain Unit of Council.

Risk Implications

Flood Levee Restoration Project 2017:

Council resolved to undertake all flood levee restoration works to repair 2015 and 2016 flood damage including high priority levee audit defects, while waiting for the revised NDRA outcomes. There is no guarantee that Council’s revised NDRA grant funding claims will be successful.

Shoalhaven Natural Resource & Floodplain Management Committee – Thursday 23 November 2017

Page 13

SN17.22 Flood Mitigation Projects – Flood Information Sign Project

HPERM Ref: D17/352147

Group: Planning Environment & Development Group

Section: Environmental Services

Purpose / Summary

The purpose of this report is to inform Committee about the updates in relation to Council minute D15/314859 - part h) - Council install flood level signage from previous floods in public locations.

Recommendation (Item to be determined under delegated authority)

That the Committee endorse the proposed locations of historical flood level signage.

Options

1. The committee supports the recommendation

Implications: Nil

2. The Committee could choose to provide an alternative recommendation for furture consideration by Council.

Implications: Unknown

Background

Council minute D15/314859 - part h) - Council resolved in the above minute to place flood information signs highlighting the height/water level of previous floods in various public places in flood effected areas of the Shoalhaven. It is recommended that the signs be installed at the following locations:

· Nowra;

· Shoalhaven Heads;

· Terara;

· Greenwell Point;

· Erowal Bay;

· Sanctuary Point;

· Basin View;

· Sussex Inlet;

· Lake Conjola;

· Burrill Lake;

· Lake Tabourie

The project will involve investigation and identification of locations, the design of the flood signs unique to each location. Flood studies and Floodplain Risk Management Studies are available to assist with historial flood information.

The intention of this project is not to install flood gauge markers for roads, or explain flood escape routes, as this is the responsibility of the NSW State Emergency Service (SES) as the response agency. Rather it is a flood awarens raising exercise.

The current status is that potential locations have been selected via desktop anaylsis and physical inspection of these site will occur in the near future.

Community Engagement

When the locations have been established and concept sign design(s) have been prepared, consultation will need to be undertaken with the following stakeholders:

· Shoalhaven Natural Resources and Floodplain Committee;

· Local CCB’s;

· Schools;

· Relevant Council staff.

· SES

An education program will be established for the community after the completion of the project.

Financial Implications

The project is fully funded under the Flood Programme Budget and a dedicated project officer within Council has been assigned to complete this project by the end of this financial year (2017/18).

Shoalhaven Natural Resource & Floodplain Management Committee – Thursday 23 November 2017

Page 15

SN17.23 Currarong Coastal Erosion Remediation
Detailed Design Progress Report November 2017

HPERM Ref: D17/361283

Group: Planning Environment & Development Group

Section: Environmental Services

Attachments: 1. Warrain Crescent - Beach Access Ramp Sections ⇩

2. Warrain Crescent - Beach Access Ramp Plan ⇩

3. Warrain Crescent - Beach Nourishment Plan ⇩

4. Report - Durability of Wagners Composite Fibre Technologies ⇩

Purpose / Summary

Advise committee that Royal Haskoning DHV have substantially progressed detailed design work including design for early replacement of a western beach access lost in the 2016 storm.

Recommendation

That Council:

1. Undertake detailed design, review of environmental factors (REF) and seek necessary permits and approvals for the Currarong Coastal Erosion Remediation project; and

2. Include community and government agency consultation during the detailed design and REF process; and

3. Place the final detailed design and REF on public exhibition and report back to Council the outcome of the exhibition; and

4. Once necessary permits and approvals are obtained and Council has resolved to commence construction, complete the erosion remediation project construction including design amendments for the western beach access mound.

5. Should the necessary permits and approvals be obtained, construct a temporary access (Warrain Crescent Beach Access Ramp Plan, Drawing #PA1506/MA/1021, Royal HaskoningDHV) at Warrain Crescent, as soon as possible whilst continuing with the detailed design process for the remediation project.

Options

1. As recommended. Complete detailed design and review of environmental factors (REF) as scheduled and seek necessary approvals to undertake coastal management works at Currarong. Should the necessary permits and approvals be obtained to allow the construction of a temporary access at Warrain Crescent, these works should be completed as soon as possible whilst completing the detailed design for the overall remediation project

Implications: Works carried out as programmed.

2. Alternative recommendation.

Implications: Potential for increased time and cost.

Background

Community concerns remain that the timeline to progress the project and replace a beach access mound and interim access provisions by Christmas 2017 will not be met. The complexity of the task is significant, with a high likelihood the requirement to undertake a cost benefit analysis (CBA) to assess coastal management options at Currarong in accordance with the new Draft NSW Coastal Management Manual will be triggered. This will depend upon the final cost estimate for the proposed work. This process would introduce a new delay. A CBA is currently being worked through to assess coastal management options at South Mollymook.

The draft Manual which sets out the requirements for a CBA can be viewed at http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/resources/coasts/150805-cost-benefit-analysis.pdf

Royal HaskoningDHV has recently completed predesign investigations, which are included in the first preliminary draft of the Currarong Coastal Erosion Protection Report. This report is still in draft form and more details will need to be added following internal and external consultation. The Review of Environmental Factors (REF) is due to commence in November. The principle obstacle to rapidly progress works remains the Aboriginal artefacts in the beach face at Warrain Crescent and Beecroft Avenue portions. The Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Assessment Report (ACHAR) and Aboriginal Heritage Impact Permit (AHIP) applications are complete and have been submitted to NSW government. The REF will consider the environmental impacts on the estuary aquatic and terrestrial flora and fauna.

A design review has been requested by Council staff to direct the construction access along the disturbed land portion east of the creek boat ramp, where the entrance spit was built in the late 1960’s. This will allow construction impact to be removed from the tidal creek. It will also provide improved material stockpile access to contractors and eventually beach access to licenced beach haul fishermen and access for maintenance operations importantly minimising impact on the Marine Park Authority estuary.

Community Engagement

Council has engaged the Currarong community with full and frank discussion in December 2016 with the outcome endorsing Council to proceed to detailed design for the single groyne sand nourishment at Warrain Crescent, and rock armour for the Beecroft Avenue portion. This discussion included the key State Government Agencies involved in the project.

A project Risk Assessment will be undertaken on completion of a Draft REF and Draft detailed design drawings with the Currarong CCB in November 2017, to ensure community agreement with the major project elements and No Regrets agreement to proceed to construction.

Financial Implications

Project delay is a likely consequence that needs consideration as the Coastal Reserve Fund has a $400,000 commitment for this financial year, which may not be drawn from until approvals are gained in early 2018 at best.

Risk Implications

Project risks will be assessed during the detailed design process due to commence in November 2017.

Shoalhaven Natural Resource & Floodplain Management Committee – Thursday 23 November 2017

Page 24

SN17.24 Shoalhaven Dredging Survey Report

HPERM Ref: D17/382332

Group: Planning Environment & Development Group

Section: Environmental Services

Attachments: 1. Conjola Community Association - Dredging Analysis Submission (under separate cover) ⇨

2. Summary of Dredging Survey Results - September 2017 (under separate cover) ⇨

Purpose / Summary

As per the resolution of the Shoalhaven Natural Resources and Floodplain Management Committee SN17.6 on 6 June 2017 the Committee is provided with a this report on the positive and negative feedback from the community on dredging at Sussex Inlet and Lake Conjola.

Recommendation (Item to be determined under delegated authority)

That the SNRFM Committee receive the report on the community feedback survey on the dredging program at Sussex Inlet and Lake Conjola for information.

Options

1. The Committee receive the report on dredging survey for information

Implications: Nil

2. The Committee decide on other recommendation

Implications: Depend on the recommendation

Background

At the Shoalhaven Natural Resources and Floodplain Management Committee meeting of 6 June 2017 a report was provided on the results of the post-dredging monitoring at Currambene Creek, Sussex Inlet and Lake Conjola as part of the NSW Crown Lands licensing condition requirements. The report gave an overview of dredging program and provided data on the changes to the dredging channels in the 6 months post dredging at Sussex Inlet and Lake Conjola.

Part 2 of the Committee’s resolution required the following:

A further report be provided to the Committee collating positive and negative feedback about the dredging program from the communities where the dredging took place.

Following this, Council undertook a community survey via the “Get Involved” website to get feedback on the social, environmental and economic impact of the dredging on the communities of Sussex Inlet and Lake Conjola.

The survey was undertaken from 15 August 2017 to 13 September 2017 and asked participants to register and nominate if they lived or regularly visited ether Sussex Inlet and/or Lake Conjola, which then took them to questions specifically related to each estuary. The online survey was a series of multiple choice questions as follows, asking participants to choose from strongly agree, agree, I don’t know, disagree or strongly disagree and blank:

1. Has dredging at ……been environmentally positive?

2. Has dredging at ……been socially positive?

3. Has dredging at…….been economically positive?

A general feedback section was included relating to the dredging at both Lake Conjola and Sussex Inlet, which participants could provide further information.

The survey webpage had 464 views and 216 visits, the majority of surveys were completed in the first week, as shown below in Figure 1.

Figure 1 – Summary of Visitors/Page Views for Dredging Survey

Lake Conjola Surveys Results

Figure 2 – Results of survey on environmental impacts of dredging – Lake Conjola

Figure 3 - Results of survey on economic impacts of dredging – Lake Conjola

Figure 4 - Results of survey on social impacts of dredging – Lake Conjola

Sussex Inlet Survey Results

Figure 5 – Results of survey on environmental impacts of dredging – Sussex Inlet

Figure 6 – Results of survey on economic impacts of dredging – Sussex Inlet

Figure 7 – Results of survey on social impacts of dredging – Sussex Inlet

Survey respondents also provided general feedback to the survey at both Sussex Inlet and Lake Conjola, these are provided in the attached summary spreadsheet. Additionally to the on-site survey results two formal submission were received as follows:

1. Critical Review, Analysis & Assessment of Lake Conjola Dredging Activity - Lake Conjola Community Association, August 2017.

2. Dredging of Shoalhaven ICOLl's – Lake Conjola, National Parks Association – Milton Electorate.

Copies of both these submissions are attached to the report.

Community Engagement

The survey was distributed to Council’s Consultative Bodies, Natural Resource & Floodplain Committee, Frontline News subscribers, Sussex Inlet Marine Rescue, Sussex Inlet Navigation Action Group and also via a media release, Council Facebook and in the Council Neighbourhood Newsletter.

Policy Implications

The results of the survey can be used to provide input into the development of coastal management programs and any dredging programs that Council may consider in the future.

Financial Implications

The survey had little financial implications, other than staff time required to develop the survey and review results. However, the feedback from the survey should be considered when accessing the economic impact of dredging on Council resources.

Risk Implications

Results of survey should be considered when assessing the environmental, economic and social risk implications of future dredging programs.