Agenda of Shoalhaven Heads Estuary Taskforce

Minutes of the Shoalhaven Heads Estuary Taskforce

Meeting Date: Monday, 20 November 2017

Location: Jervis Bay Rooms, City Administrative Centre, Bridge Road, Nowra

Time: 4.00pm

The following members were present:

Clr Mitchell Pakes - Chairperson

Clr Amanda Findley

Clr Nina Cheyne

Clr Joanna Gash

Clr Patricia White

Clr Mark Kitchener

Clr Bob Proudfoot

The Hon Gareth Ward - MP

Mr Phil Guy

Mr Mike James

Mr David Lamb

Mr Stephen Short

Mr Bob Williamson

Ms Robyn Flack

Others Present:

Russ Pigg – General Manager

Phil Costello – Planning Environment and Development Group Director

Kelie Clarke – Environmental Services Section Manager

Alasdair Stratton – Natural Resources and Floodplain Unit Manager

Ray Massie – Coast and Estuaries Officer

Michael Strachan – Infrastructure Manager

Dr Rafael Carvalho – University of Wollongong

Apologies / Leave of Absence

An apology was received from Clr Alldrick, Clr Wells and Gerald Groom

Confirmation of the Minutes

RESOLVED (David Lamb / Phil Guy)

That the Minutes of the Shoalhaven Heads Estuary Taskforce held on Monday 20 March 2017 be confirmed.

CARRIED

Declarations of Interest

Nil

PRESENTATIONS

Research Findings Shoalhaven River Sediment Transport – Dr Rafael Carvalho

A PowerPoint presentation was provided by Dr Rafael Carvalho.

Mr Rafael Carvalho tabled a report and a copy will be sent with the minutes.

Reports

SH17.6 Update on Taskforce resolutions

HPERM Ref: D17/375925

Mr Phil Guy said that the grant application for River Road should have been given to the community with more time to comment.

Kelie Clarke advised that dredging could not be included in the grant application because it was outside of the scope of the grant guidelines. Mr Guy requested that Council investigate if any State Government Grants available for dredging and pursued as a priority.

Mr Guy was unsatisfied with the statement that it is unsustainable for all boat ramps to be used in all weather conditions.

Mr Guy suggested that the boat ramp in Wharf Road be rebuilt to a regional standard. Council have applied for a Better Boating Upgrade, however it is not explained by Council if this is a complete dig up or an upgrade of the facility.

Mr Guy also said that the Shoalhaven Heads Estuary Taskforce was thankful in relation to the status of the River Road Embankment and that Council had lodged a grant application.

Mr Guy continued & said that the Entrance Management Plan has always been part of the Shoalhaven Heads Estuary Taskforce’s Committee Objectives. It has always been advised that reviewing this Plan is a matter of gaining funding. It was discussed at a meeting approximately two years ago that the Plan failed to support actions required. At that meeting the Hon Gareth Ward MP advised that there were numerous grants available subject to a certified Coastal Zone Management Plan (CZMP) or Coastal Management Program (CMP). Council have an adopted Coastal Zone Management Plan but not a certified one.

Council sort certification on the adopted CZMP and the list of requirements requested from the NSW Office of Environment & Heritage (OEH) was very comprehensive. Currently there are no resources in the budget, however, Council is looking at trying to make it happen. The Taskforce was advised that the timeframe for turnaround is very short (six months) and it has taken almost 12 months to get this feedback.

Kelie Clarke was questioned as to whether she felt any of the additional requirements prior to certification were unreasonable from OEH, Kelie advised the main concern was that it was expected that a complete additional round of community consultation was required, it is believed by staff that Council should only be required to put it on public exhibition.

The Hon Gareth Ward MP requested Kelie Clarke to list her concerns regarding OEH’s requirements for Gareth to take up with the Minister directly.

Kelie Clarke confirmed that the delay of the River Road grant application was due to the community’s uncertainty about the WRL conceptual design, and a further workshop was held with SHET and CCB representatives to work through their concerns and the process. The grant guidelines were clear that different works could not be included and the overall budget could not be substantially increased. It is up to Council if it chooses to pursue this as a separate issue.

In regard to the Entrance Management Plan, Council’s Floodplain & Stormwater Engineer, Mir Abdus Subdan, gave an update of the review of the Entrance Management Plan. Council has successfully obtained a grant to undertake an updated Lower Shoalhaven River flood study and risk management plan, which includes the review of the Entrance Management Plan. This study will take approximately 3 years and the Entrance Management Plan will be reviewed as part of this project once the flood study has been completed.

Recommendation (Item to be determined under delegated authority)

That the Taskforce receive the report for information.

RESOLVED (Phil Guy / Gareth Ward)

That the Shoalhaven Heads Estuary Taskforce receive the report for information with the additional comments from Mr Phil Guy.

CARRIED

SH17.7 Shoalhaven Heads Estuary Task Force recommendations - report on financial and resourcing implications

HPERM Ref: D17/262657

The Shoalhaven Heads Estuary Taskforce was advised that until the Coastal Zone Management Plan is certified or a Coastal Management Program is developed and certified that none of the other issues can be rectified, this should be a priority.

The Shoalhaven Heads Estuary Taskforce would like to see the commencement and completion of the Entrance Management Plan with community consultation based on current data, with the community incorporated within that plan during community consultation.

Note: Clr Gash left the meeting, the time being 4.57pm.

The Natural Resources and Floodplain Management Committee evaluated the traditional Estuary Management Plan. Council is committed to reviewing the plan, but it is unknown whether the Entrance Management Plan will be covered. The next step would be to put up a budget bid to Council to consider allocating additional resources required.

Recommendation (Item to be determined under delegated authority)

1. That Council receive the report on financial and resource implications of the Shoalhaven Heads Estuary Taskforce recommended objectives for information; and

2. Council continue to work with the Shoalhaven Heads community to develop River Road Foreshore Precinct to address coastal erosion, as per the options identified in the Draft NSW Water Research Laboratory Assessment of Coastal Management Options.

Recommendation (Phil Guy / Gareth Ward)

That Council

1. Receive the report on financial and resource implications of the Shoalhaven Heads Estuary Taskforce recommended objectives for information; and

2. Continue to work with the Shoalhaven Heads community to develop River Road Foreshore Precinct to address coastal erosion, as per the options identified in the Draft NSW Water Research Laboratory Assessment of Coastal Management Options.

3. Seek certification of its Coastal Zone Management Plan (CZMP) and develop a Coastal Management Program (CMP) based on current data, not only historical data.

GENERAL BUSINESS

SH17.8 Additional Item - Update Proposed Works for the Boat Ramp

Michael Strachan advised that Council applied for the Better Boating Now Program. It is being assessed.

Note: The Hon Gareth Ward MP left the meeting, the time being 5.02pm.

Council is confident that the outcome will be positive.

Further consultation with the Shoalhaven Heads Estuary Taskforce will take place at a later stage.

The concept plan has been prepared and this involves consultation with a number of users.

The Committee responded that the application be put forward to name the Shoalhaven Heads Reef, drop off point. The Committee believes that the three boat ramps will be used to maximum ability during peak periods.

It was also clarified that the statement that the level of service is unsuitable for all weather conditions is due to financial sustainability.

Note: Clr Gash returned to the meeting, the time being 5.04pm.

Clr Pakes wished the Committee a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

There being no further business, the meeting concluded, the time being 5.05pm.

Clr Mitchell Pakes

CHAIRPERSON

Shoalhaven Heads Estuary Taskforce – Wednesday 02 May 2018

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SH18.1 Membership Applications Rob Russell and Carol Cassidy

HPERM Ref: D18/132845

Group: Finance Corporate & Community Services Group

Section: Human Resources, Governance & Customer Service

Attachments: 1. Membership Application - Rob Russell ⇩

2. Membership Application - Carole Cassidy ⇩

Purpose / Summary

To advise the Shoalhaven Heads Estuary Taskforce of Membership applications that require resolution.

Recommendation

That Council appoint Carole Cassidy and Rob Russell as members of the Shoalhaven Heads Estuary Taskforce.

Options

1. As recommended.

2. The Shoalhaven Heads Estuary Taskforce adopt an alternate recommendation.

Background

The Shoalhaven Heads Estuary Taskforce does not currently have a limited membership. Given this it is possible that two (2) new members may be appointed should the Taskforce wish to.

Attached to the report are the applications from Rob Russell and Carole Cassidy which were received in March 2017. Membership applications were deferred at the previous meeting.

Rob Russell stated in his application – “It is essential the mouth or lower sections of the Shoalhaven River remain clean and tidal. It cannot detract from attracting tourists to the area for water recreational activities such as swimming, SUP’s, kayaks, fishing etc. it is also important for oyster farmers and ecological reasons. Additionally we must focus on flood mitigation for the residents along the river and erosion of the river banks.”

Carole Cassidy stated in her application – “I walk the riverbanks with my dog and I fish in the river for recreation, from the wharf on the banks. Ms Cassidy has confirmed that she still wishes to become a member of the Taskforce.

Shoalhaven Heads Estuary Taskforce – Wednesday 02 May 2018

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SH18.2 Update on the review of the draft 2012 Coastal Zone Management Plan

HPERM Ref: D18/133099

Group: Planning Environment & Development Group

Section: Environmental Services

Purpose / Summary

To provide an update on the revision of the Shoalhaven Coastal Zone Management Plan (CZMP) 2018.

Recommendation (Item to be determined under delegated authority)

hat Council receive the update report on the revision of the Shoalhaven Coastal Zone Management Plan (CZMP) 2018 for information.

Background

In order to apply for the full range of grants available under NSW Coastal & Estuary Grants Program, Council is required to have a certified coastal zone management plan or coastal management program. At the time of its completion, the draft 2012 CZMP was not submitted to the NSW Government for certification because the Stage 2 Coastal Reforms were announced and certification of CZMPs was put on hold until the Reforms were implemented.

In 2016, without any changes being made, Council resolved to submit the draft CZMP to the NSW Government for certification. Certification was not granted and OEH subsequently provided Council with a comprehensive list of changes that needed to be made before re-submission.

The Stage 2 Coastal Reforms are contained within the 2016 Coastal Management Act which came into effect on April 3. From that date, Council will have 6 months to have the draft revised CZMP certified by the Minister. For the last two months, or more, it will need to be with the NSW Government undergoing the certification process, so Council will have approximately four months (from April 3) to complete the review, place the document on public exhibition, distribute the document to appropriate agencies, prepare the final plan and report it to Council.

Council’s intention is to send the CZMP 2018 to the NSW Government for certification in late July following public exhibition.

Reviewing and editing the draft document began late last year and, and has included the engagement of an external consultant to assist with the review and speed up the process to make the substantial changes required by OEH. Council has also engaged a coastal engineering consultancy to complete the technical updates that relate to coastal hazard risk assessment.

Summary of amendments to the CZMP to date

· Department of Industry staff have reviewed the document and all comments have been incorporated

· DPI Fisheries and JBMP staff at Huskisson have reviewed the document and all comments have been incorporated

· The document has been updated to be consistent with The Coastal Hazard Review report 2016 and mapping has been updated

· The structure of the document has been rearranged and simplified

· Redundant, out dated, irrelevant text has been deleted

· New text has been added

· All figures and tables have been reviewed and updated

· All figures and tables have been given a ‘new look’

· Citywide strategies have been reviewed and updated

· Local Area Action Plans are being reviewed and updated

· Appendices have been updated

· Emergency Action Sub Plan is being reviewed and will be included as an Appendix

· All technical information in the document is being reviewed and updated

· The whole document will be inserted into a ‘new look’ template before going out for public exhibition

Community Engagement

Council’s Communications & Media team is assisting Environmental Services to provide a new graphic look for the document. They are also preparing an engagement plan which will include a ‘Get Involved’ page for information and feedback, a video explaining the what and why of the CZMP and FAQs. The CZMP will go out on public exhibition as part of the review process.

Policy Implications

Without a certified CZMP, Council is eligible to apply for a very limited range of grant categories in the Coastal and Estuary Grants Program. This significantly reduces the range of coastal maintenance and capital works Council can implement.

Financial Implications

The OEH Coastal and Estuary Grants Program, provides 50% of project funds. Without a certified CZMP Council would be denied eligibility for the full range of grant categories. This means Council would need to fully fund the many coastal projects that become necessary over the next 3-5 years, while the new Coastal Management Plan is being prepared and certified.

Risk Implications

With increased stormy weather predicted, there will be more coastal projects requiring implementation to manage risk, repair infrastructure and maintain coastal assets to a safe and acceptable standard. If grant funds can’t be accessed, public safety and asset protection will be at risk.

Shoalhaven Heads Estuary Taskforce – Wednesday 02 May 2018

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SH18.3 Technical peer review of the River Road Foreshore Shoalhaven Heads: Assessment of the Coastal Management Options Report by MHL.

HPERM Ref: D18/133125

Group:

Section: Environmental Services

Attachments: 1. MHL Technical Review

Purpose / Summary

To advise the Taskforce of the technical peer review by Edward Couriel from Manly Hydraulics Laboratory (MHL), of the River Road Foreshore Shoalhaven Heads: Assessment of the Coastal Management Options Report prepared by Water Research Laboratory (WRL) UNSW.

Recommendation:

That the Taskforce

1. Receive the Manly Hydraulics Laboratory technical review of the WRL River Road Coastal Option Report titled MHL2595 – Review of River Road Foreshore, Shoalhaven Heads: Assessment of Coastal Management Options Report dated February 2018, for information; and

2. Endorse the incorporation of the following technical information in the detailed design of any future coastal erosion remediation control structure at the River Road foreshore precinct:

a. Coastal erosion remediation structure be designed for a more conservative large river entrance opening to reduce the risk of failure.

b. A minimum design life of 25 years for coastal erosion remediation structure be adopted.

Options

1. As per the recommendation.

Implications: Proceeding with the option endorsed by MHL‘s technical review, to undertake design incorporating the above technical information as per the MHL technical review recommendation. Designing the foreshore erosion remediation structures to a minimum design life of 25 years and for a large river entrance opening is likely to increase the cost of the structure. This will need to be costed as part of the detailed design process.

2. Recommend alternative options for the detailed design of the River Road coastal foreshore erosion remediation.

Implications: This would depend on the alternative option.

Background

The 2016 east coast low storm resulted in a moderate flood (Natural Disaster declared 2016) and a major coastal storm which impacted beaches and foreshores across the City.

This impact included coastal erosion of 1000 meters of riverbank on the Shoalhaven River at River Road, Shoalhaven Heads. In response to this erosion at River Road, Council engaged the University of NSW Water Research Laboratory (WRL) to undertake an assessment of the coastal management options to manage this erosion.

In August 2017, WRL produced the River Road Foreshore, Shoalhaven Heads: Assessment of Coastal Management Options, Technical Report, prepared by their team of experienced coastal and estuarine engineers.

The technical report divides the foreshore area up into six (6) prioritised zones based on coastal hazard and geo-technical risks impacting each zone. The study identified nine (9) management options:

1. Do nothing

2. Monitoring with no active management works

3. Monitoring in combination with management works

4. Relocating existing sand located within the beach area

5. Stabilisation of erosion scarps and revegetation

6. Protection structures (rock or geotextile revetment)

7. Repairs and improvements to stormwater outlets on the beach

8. Improvements to stormwater control across the beach

9. Nourishment of the beach

The report recommends which of the nine (9) foreshore management options are best suited to each foreshore management zone, as outlined in the figures below.

Figure 1: Qualitative Prioritisation of the Foreshore Management Zones

Figure 2: Suitability of Management Options for the Foreshore Zones

Consultation on the WRL technical report has was undertaken with the Shoalhaven Heads Community Forum members, Shoalhaven Heads Estuary Taskforce and the Shoalhaven Heads community.

The community identified the need to address and manage the storm water impacts and maintain the visual amenity.

Stormwater management and discharge is Council’s Asset and Works priority and a specialist stormwater design is needed with soft engineering options to be included. These conditions will provide erosion remediation of the whole frontage in one project, as requested by the community.

Upon the communities’ request, Council sought a technical peer review of the WRL report and engaged Edward Couriel, Director, Manly Hydraulics Laboratory (MHL).

MHL are the technical arm of NSW Public Works Division. Edward Couriel is a qualified Coastal Engineer and has over 20 years’ experience in coastal and estuarine engineering studies and is well placed to provide a pragmatic coastal engineering review of the WRL Technical Report. A copy of the MHL report is contained within Attachment 1.

The review recommends that a larger entrance scenario be adopted for the design of erosion control structures, as discussed in the WRL options report. The design modifications are expected to have a minor construction cost increase and an improved asset class and lifespan.

MHL also recommended that Council undertake a comparison of the life cycle cost and benefits of the WRL recommended 10-year design life of the erosion control structure compared with a longer serviceable life cycles of 25 and 50 years.

The peer review also highly recommended beach nourishment to some degree, as part of any longer-term foreshore management options adopted. As this may be warranted due to the potential benefits and cost savings of this management option, given the extensive environmental approvals associated with the sand nourishment options, the peer review recommended exploring sourcing sand behind the river entrance flood notch, where a “wet notch” was trialled in the 1990’s.

It is recommended that this option be reviewed as part of the 2018 Lower Shoalhaven River Flood Risk Management Study and the associated review of the Shoalhaven River Entrance Management Plan.

If this is a viable option, it would provide, along with the maintenance of the dry flood notch, a moderate sand supply for repeat sand nourishment to the River Road foreshore areas and potentially extend the “life of the next entrance breakout”.

Community Engagement

Extensive community consultation has already taken place in the development of the WRL foreshore management options report via the Shoalhaven Heads Estuary Taskforce and the Shoalhaven Heads Community Forum and at a community drop-in session at the Shoalhaven Heads community centre on Sunday 9 April 2017.

The community identified the need to address stormwater management and retain the visual and recreational amenity of the River Rd foreshore in any management options undertaken.

Members of the Shoalhaven Heads Estuary Taskforce requested Council obtain a technical peer review of the WRL report by another suitably qualified and experienced coastal engineer to assess if the recommended management options outlined in the WRL report are the best possible options. This technical review was completed as described above.

Financial Implications

In October 2017, Council, in consultation with the Shoalhaven Heads Community Forum, applied to the NSW Regional Growth – Environmental and Tourism – Restart NSW grant program for $1, 213,000 to undertake the coastal erosion management options recommended by WRL. In addition to the grant amount, Council would be contributing $550,000 for the storm water management works, rock protection and revegetation works. The cost of the peer review undertaken by MHL was $2,500.

The MHL peer review recommends designing the foreshore erosion remediation structures to a minimum design life of 25 years and for a large river entrance opening. This is likely to increase the cost of the structure, as larger sized rocks will be required. This will need to be costed as part of the detailed design process.

Shoalhaven Heads Estuary Taskforce – Wednesday 02 May 2018

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SH18.4 Updates on the Review of the Lower Shoalhaven River Floodplain Risk Management Study and Plan

HPERM Ref: D18/133816

Group: Planning Environment & Development Group

Section: Environmental Services

Purpose / Summary

The purpose of this report is to inform the Taskforce about the updates on Shoalhaven River Floodplain Risk Management Study & Plan, including the review of the Shoalhaven River Entrance Management Plan for Flood Mitigation.

Recommendation (Item to be determined under delegated authority)

That Committee receive the report for information.

Options

1. The Taskforce receive the report for information.

Implications: Nil.

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

Implications: Unknown

Background

The objective of this study is to improve understanding of flood behaviour and impacts, and better inform management of flood risk in the study area in consideration of the available information. The study will also provide a sound technical basis for any further flood risk management investigation in the area.

The study will be overseen and guided by Council and Shoalhaven Natural Resources and Floodplain Management committee, which includes representatives from key stakeholder and end user groups. The study will be guided technically by Council, OEH and the Shoalhaven Natural Resources and Floodplain Management Committee, which includes representatives from the council and other NSW Government organisations (such as NSW SES). The Council will be the day-to-day contact for the study.

The project will review the existing flood study, floodplain risk management studies and plans and implemented measures for the study area, to enable an understanding of the impacts and changes in flood behaviour due to physical alteration of catchment characteristics such as construction of flood mitigation works or extensive new development in the catchment. It also involves reviewing existing recommended, but unimplemented, management measures as well as testing and investigating practical, feasible and economic additional management measures to treat existing, future and residual risk. The revised floodplain risk management study will provide a basis for informing the development of a new floodplain risk management plan.

The study includes the review of the Shoalhaven River Entrance Management Plan for Flood Mitigation. The management of the entrance berm and the dynamics of entrance scour once it is breached can be treated as a flood mitigation option whilst investigating flood modification measures. The review should investigate but not be limited to the following:

· Review the current entrance management policy

· Review the efficiency of the current dry notch level of the entrance berm and opening trigger water level at the gauge in reducing flood impacts on riverside settlements,

· The flood behaviour implications of keeping the entrance opened permanently or semi permanently,

· Impacts of a range of sea level rise scenarios on the practicality of the entrance management policy

· The effect of the berm initial conditions and scour behaviour on the severity of inundation originating from the ocean and the catchment

· The effects of allowing the total flow of the river to exit via Berry's Canal prior to the berm opening and subsequent flooding impacts on Shoalhaven Heads and Greenwell Point.

Currently, Council’s appointed consultant is in the early stages of the project reviewing the current information and data available. The consultant is concurrently preparing a survey brief seeking to obtain additional information and data necessary for this project. The review of Shoalhaven River Entrance Management Plan for Flood Mitigation can start once the first round of community consultation, hydrology and hydraulic assessment have been complete. According to the project plan the review of the entrance plan is due to start July/August 2019 and conclude with the whole study and plan by mid-2020.

Community Engagement

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.

The Shoalhaven Heads Estuary Taskforce is a key stakeholder, particularly with the review of the Shoalhaven River Entrance Management Plan for Flood Mitigation. The Taskforce will be consulted at relevant stages of this review.

Policy Implications

The current Shoalhaven River Entrance Management Plan for Flood Mitigation is in place until such time the updated policy is adopted by Council.

Financial Implications

Funding for the Lower Shoalhaven River 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.

The project is for the provision of consultancy works and will not have any direct or immediate implications on Council’s assets.

The tendering and studies will be undertaken by consultants who will be managed by the Natural Resources and Floodplain Unit of Council.

Shoalhaven Heads Estuary Taskforce – Wednesday 02 May 2018

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SH18.5 Shoalhaven Heads Entrance Notch Maintenance

HPERM Ref: D18/125775

Submitted by: Phil Guy

Recommendation

That Council not stockpile sand removed as notch maintenance but use it to nourish the river edge in front of the Council Caravan Park and along the river edge. This is because the River Road Foreshore project may not need this sand for 18 months to 2 years and the foreshore is in need of nourishment urgently.

Details

It was intended to stockpile the sand being moved from the notch area at the beach at a location near the “Bird Park”. However the River Road Foreshore project is not yet designed and it will be some time before the sands are needed. The river edge in front of the Council Holiday Haven Park and along the river edge up to the wharf at the intersection of Jerry Bailey Road and River Road is degraded of dry sand and in need of nourishment. In addition some trees along the river edge are undermined and could be saved by sand scraping and or nourishment from the notch sand.

Staff Response

Shoalhaven Council is planning on undertaking routine maintenance of the Shoalhaven River entrance dry-notch in the week of 30 April – 4 May 2018 (5 days), as part of the routine flood mitigation preparation works, outlined in the Shoalhaven River Entrance Management Plan for Flood Mitigation.

Notification was sent to relevant stakeholders, including the Shoalhaven Heads Estuary Taskforce on 19 March 2018.

The purpose of this work is to assist in the ease of opening the Shoalhaven River during an emergency; the level of sand at the river mouth is kept to a manageable level. Due to the fast deposition of sand in this location, this activity is generally undertaken at least once a year.

As per the entrance management plan Council will be removing around 735 cubic metres of sand from the Shoalhaven River entrance. The sand will be removed to maintain the sand berm to a height 2.0AHD across an east-west transect, as per the entrance management plan.

Council will be using the sand in the following order:

1. Filling of the emergency access path to the notch where needed;

2. Nourish the severe erosion area near the cycle path near Bolt Street as shown in Figure 1 below: