Barrack Point. Photo: Shellharbour City Council.
Shellharbour residents are being asked to help shape the future of the coastline, with council seeking local knowledge and input on how best to protect and manage the stretch from Windang Island to Bass Point.
This community feedback will help guide the next stage of Shellharbour City Council’s Coastal Management Program, which aims to safeguard beaches, headlands and waterways facing increasing pressure from population growth, natural hazards and climate change.
Council has already identified several possible actions through studies and investigations, but is seeking community input at drop-in sessions during the next two months to help decide which actions should be prioritised.
With Shellharbour’s coastline a valued natural asset supporting recreation, tourism and lifestyle, the program seeks to keep it healthy, resilient and accessible for generations to come by guiding its long-term care, protection and sustainable use.
Council is now in Stage 3 of developing the Coastal Management Program, with earlier stages including a scoping study and several technical investigations.
This work has helped identify several possible actions to protect and manage coastal areas, which would become the focus of the drop-in sessions.
Shellharbour Mayor Chris Homer said the Coastal Management Program was an important opportunity for the community to help guide how the coastline was cared for into the future.
“Our coastline is part of who we are,” Cr Homer said.
“Keeping it healthy, accessible and protected is a responsibility we share as a community.
“By sharing your local knowledge and telling us what matters most to you, you can help us prioritise actions that strengthen the resilience and long-term sustainability of our coastal environment.”
The program covers keys areas, including Warilla Beach, Elliott Lake, Shellharbour North Beach, Nuns Beach, Shellharbour Boat Harbour and Shell Cove Boat Harbour, Shellharbour South Beach, and Gadhu Beach.
Community members can provide feedback on the options identified so far and share any additional ideas, which will help council understand which actions are most important and where resources can make the greatest difference.
Residents can have their say by accessing the online portal at Let’s Chat, and reviewing the draft management actions and providing feedback.
Drop-in information sessions are also being organised for the community at different locations.
These include Warilla North Beach near the Surf Life Saving Club on 18 March from 8:30 to 11:30 am; and Shell Cove Marina Waterfront, 2 Waterfront Promenade Shell Cove on 19 March from 3 to 6 pm.
An online session via a Teams meeting on 1 April from 12:30 to 1:30 pm will also be available, with registration available on the Let’s Chat page.
Feedback can also be provided by email at [email protected] or by phone on 4221 6111.
Coastal Management Program is being developed in accordance with the NSW Coastal Management Framework and is supported by technical and funding assistance from the NSW Government Coastal and Estuary Grants Program.
