Minutes of the Shoalhaven Heads Estuary Taskforce
Meeting Date: Wednesday, 20 March 2024
Location: Jervis Bay Rooms, City Administrative Centre, Bridge Road, Nowra
Time: 4.00pm
The following members were present:
Clr Serena Copley - Chairperson
Clr Matthew Norris
Clr Patricia White
Clr Tonia Gray – (Joined Remotely at 4:33pm)
Mr Phil Guy
Mr Rob Russell
Ms Jan Turbill
Ms Robyn Flack
Ms Jessica Zealand – (Joined at 4:16pm)
Others present:
Mr James Ruprai – Director City Development
Mr Peter Swanson – Acting Manager – Environmental Services
Mr Nigel Smith – Lead Coastal Management
Mr Trevor Dando - Manager - Works & Services – (Joined at 4:11pm)
Apologies were received from Clr Watson, Clr Wells, Gareth Ward MP and Natalie Lloyd.
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That the Minutes of the Shoalhaven Heads Estuary Taskforce held on Wednesday 27 September 2023 be confirmed. |
Nil
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The Committee discussed matters relating to item SH23.10 from the previous minutes with Mr Trevor Dando - Manager Works & Services. Mr Dando, and other staff addressed the following items: Budgets for Sand Scraping & Mangrove Removal Mr Dando advised that these works are funded from Councils operational budget on a as needs basis. SH23.8 - Flooding at Beach Road Shoalhaven Heads Mr Dando advised that the works in relating to flooding on Beach Rd have been completed. Ms Robyn Flack asked Mr Dando to expand upon the works completed on Beach Rd, noting that the Shoalhaven Heads Forum received a letter from Council stating that the flooding was a result of high rain fall. Mr Dando further advised that the flooding was a result both of pipework installed at a particular driveway on Beach Rd which have since been remediated, and the high level of rainfall at that time. SH23.10 - Gross Pollutant Traps Maintenance Mr Dando clarified that the two Gross Pollutant Traps in question along the Shoalhaven Heads rock wall are actually Surcharge Pits, and advised that these Pits generally do not require any maintenance accepting when scour erosion occurs around the pits. Mr Phil Guy noted that a lot of scouring has occurred on the beach surrounding those Pits. SH23.10 - Survey of the Shoalhaven Heads Entrance Notch Mr Nigel Smith advised that a Survey of the Entrance Notch is conducted monthly by Councils Floodplain Management Unit and a surveyor in the City Services Directorate, engaged by the Floodplain Unit. My Phil Guy queried the results of these Surveys and Mr Smith advised that the Survey results previous to the most recent showed that the Entrance Notch was under and around a 2 meter Australian Heigh Datum (AHD), the height level at which dry notch maintenance is based around. City Services – Ongoing Agenda Item The Chair of the Taskforce requested that an ongoing heading only item be added to the agenda to allow for a brief update from City Services staff on any relevant matters. |
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That an ongoing heading only item be added to the agenda for an update from City Services staff. |
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HPERM Ref: D23/485917 |
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Recommendation (Item to be determined under delegated authority) That Council staff report back on the lessons learnt, if any, from the remediation works carried out at Shoalhaven Heads beach in the week ended 26 October 2023. |
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That the Taskforce receive this report for information, noting the information provided in the Directors Note. |
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GENERAL BUSINESS
Actions From Minutes
Mr Phil Guy requested that a list of all actions arising from this meeting be provided to be considered at the next meeting. These actions are listed below:
· SH24.1 - Outcomes of Lower Shoalhaven River Pre-Dredging Feasibility Study
Action: Request an Environmental Services staff member, if available, to attend the next Shoalhaven Heads Forum meeting on 1 May 2024 to answer any questions in relation to the Lower Shoalhaven River Pre-Dredging Feasibility Study.
· SH24.5 Business Arising From Previous Minutes
Action: That an ongoing heading only item be added to the agenda for an update from City Services staff.
· SH24.4 - Request - Extend Mangrove Seedlings Removal West of the Wharf in Front of River Rd to the Storm Water Drain
Action: That Council staff contact Fisheries NSW to note the prolific expansion of mangrove seedlings this year, and receive a advice on what can be done in the interim under the current permit held by Council.
· SH24.3 - Coastal Protection Works - Tidal Flats in Front of Holiday Haven Caravan Park, Shoalhaven Heads
Action:
1. Council effect works from the maintenance of the dry notch at Shoalhaven Heads river entrance to relocate clean sand to the river front tidal area adjacent to Holiday Haven Caravan Park and the public playground and picnic area.
2. This action be included by Council for progression in the Lower Shoalhaven River Coastal Management Plan (CMP) for an action on an annual basis.
3. The Director City Development to assess whether sand arising notch maintenance can be reallocated to the foreshore in front of Holiday Haven under current permits
Post Meeting Note: Staff will begin providing an on-going action table report so the Taskforce can keep a record of outstanding and completed actions.
There being no further business, the meeting concluded, the time being 5:21.
Clr Serena Copley
CHAIRPERSON