Coastal Management Program

Camden Haven Estuary Bank Erosion and Riparian Condition Assessment Report(PDF, 36MB)

This report presents a comprehensive assessment of bank erosion and riparian vegetation condition across the Camden Haven Estuary, based on field surveys of over 132 km of shoreline and 614 mapped reaches. It finds that bank erosion is generally low across the system, with less than 1% classified as high severity and a relatively small contribution to overall sediment loads, while riparian vegetation is predominantly in good to very good condition, particularly within protected areas. The study identifies priority reaches for intervention and outlines targeted, costed remediation strategies using hybrid engineering and ecological approaches to improve bank stability, water quality, and habitat outcomes.

Camden Haven River Estuary Riparian Revegetation Guide(PDF, 2MB)

A practical guide for landholders outlining suitable native plant species and revegetation approaches across distinct estuary zones to stabilise riverbanks, improve water quality, and enhance the ecological health of the Camden Haven River estuary.

Hastings River Estuary Bank Erosion and Riparian Condition Assessment Report(PDF, 47MB)

This report presents a comprehensive assessment of bank erosion and riparian condition across the Hastings River estuary, based on field mapping of nearly 240 km of shoreline and detailed sediment and erosion analyses. It finds that most banks exhibit low to moderate erosion, with only about 5% classified as high to extreme, while riparian vegetation is generally in moderate to very good condition but degraded in areas of agricultural and urban use. The study identifies key priority reaches for intervention and provides a structured framework and concept designs to guide targeted actions aimed at improving bank stability, water quality, and ecological values.

Hastings River Estuary Riparian Revegetation Guide(PDF, 3MB)

A practical guide to support landholders in selecting appropriate native plant species across estuary zones to stabilise banks, enhance water quality, and improve the ecological resilience of the Hastings River estuary.

Coastal Hazard Assessment Study(PDF, 42MB)

The Coastal Hazard Assessment Study provides a comprehensive, data driven evaluation of coastal processes and hazards across the Port Macquarie-Hastings coastline to inform coastal management planning. It identifies key drivers of change, including sand transport, storms, and sea level rise, highlighting a net long-term loss of sand and increasing risks from erosion, inundation, and shoreline recession. The report maps current and future hazard extents, showing that while many areas are presently stable, a growing number of public and private assets are likely to be impacted by coastal hazards by 2120, guiding targeted risk management and adaptation strategies.

Technical Note - Coastal Vulnerability Area Mapping(PDF, 15MB)

This technical note outlines the methodology, assumptions, and inputs used to develop Coastal Vulnerability Area (CVA) maps for the Port Macquarie–Hastings coastline to a 2120 planning horizon. It integrates key coastal hazard components, erosion and shoreline recession, coastal inundation, and tidal inundation using probabilistic modelling and sea level rise projections aligned with NSW Government guidance. The report highlights underlying uncertainties and provides spatial datasets and mapping to support risk-informed coastal planning and management decisions.

Review of Coastal Erosion Hazard Modelling to Support the Port Macquarie- Hastings Coastal Management Program(PDF, 366KB)

The report reviews the Port Macquarie‑Hastings Council CMP Stage 2 coastal erosion hazard assessment and confirms it is fit‑for‑purpose, using robust local data, sound assumptions, and an industry‑standard probabilistic modelling approach to support planning and asset decisions. It finds that the CMP assessment provides detailed, locally specific and conservative erosion hazard extents suitable for decision‑making, while the NSW state‑wide assessment is intended only as a broad, strategic screening tool and lacks the resolution needed for local planning. The report recommends adopting the CMP Stage 2 dataset as the authoritative basis for coastal management, using low‑probability hazard extents for strategic planning and higher‑probability scenarios for asset‑level decisions to enable balanced, risk‑based management.

Coastal Recreational User Needs Analysis(PDF, 11MB)

This report provides a comprehensive assessment of coastal recreational use across the Port Macquarie–Hastings LGA, analysing user needs, existing infrastructure, and patterns of activity to inform long-term coastal planning. It identifies strong demand for accessible, connected, and diverse recreation opportunities driven by population growth, tourism, and changing participation trends, alongside key issues such as user conflicts and environmental pressures. The study delivers a strategic framework, gap analysis, and targeted recommendations to guide investment in infrastructure, improve connectivity, and support sustainable, inclusive coastal recreation into the future.

Port Macquarie Hastings Coastal Recreational User Needs Analysis Cost Estimate(PDF, 910KB)

An indicative cost estimate outlining the capital investment required to deliver priority coastal recreation upgrades across the Port Macquarie–Hastings LGA, including pathways, access improvements, amenities, and foreshore infrastructure, with total project costs ranging from site specific works to large-scale programs.

Report 1: Lake Cathie - Innes Estuary Modelling Study and Options Assessment: Instrument Deployment and Field Investigation(PDF, 21MB)

This report documents a comprehensive field investigation program undertaken to support the upgrade of the Lake Cathie - Lake Innes estuary hydrodynamic model, including hydrology, water quality, and sediment data collection. It outlines detailed monitoring methods and results from a year-long program of water level gauging, tidal flow measurements, water quality sampling, and sediment analysis across the estuary. The findings confirm generally sand-dominated sediments, low contaminant levels, and robust, quality-controlled datasets suitable for calibrating models and informing future estuary management decisions.

Report 2: Lake Cathie - Innes Estuary Modelling Study and Options Assessment: Development and Calibration of the Catchment Models(PDF, 3MB)

This report documents the development and calibration of detailed catchment hydrological models for the Lake Cathie - Lake Innes estuary system to quantify runoff and pollutant loads under a range of conditions. It uses the eWater Source and RAFTS XP modelling frameworks to simulate long term rainfall runoff processes as well as short duration design storm events, incorporating land use, climate data, and catchment characteristics. The calibrated models demonstrate strong performance and provide a robust foundation for supporting hydrodynamic, water quality, and future estuary management assessments.

Report 3: Lake Cathie - Innes Estuary Modelling Study and Options Assessment: Coastal Hydrodynamic and Sediment Transport Model Development, Setup and Calibration(PDF, 6MB)

This report documents the development, setup, and calibration of integrated hydrodynamic, wave, and sediment transport models for the Lake Cathie - Lake Innes estuary system to simulate key coastal, estuarine, and catchment processes. The models were rigorously calibrated against field data, demonstrating strong agreement with observed water levels, flows, and entrance dynamics under both open and closed conditions. Together, they provide a robust toolset to support assessment of management options such as entrance management, flooding, dredging, and long term coastal and estuarine response scenarios.

Report 4: Lake Cathie - Innes Estuary Hydrodynamic Model Upgrade: Water Quality Model Development, Set Up and Calibration(PDF, 5MB)

This report details the development and calibration of a comprehensive water quality model for the Lake Cathie - Lake Innes estuary, integrating hydrodynamic, catchment, and ocean processes to simulate key parameters such as salinity, temperature, sediments, dissolved oxygen, and nutrients. The model was rigorously calibrated against extensive field monitoring data and demonstrates strong performance in reproducing observed spatial and temporal water quality patterns across the estuary. It provides a robust decision-support tool to evaluate future management scenarios and understand how changes to the estuary system may influence water quality and ecological health.

Report 5: Lake Cathie - Innes Estuary Hydrodynamic Model Upgrade: Main Study Report(PDF, 66MB)

This report presents a comprehensive upgrade of the Lake Cathie - Lake Innes estuary hydrodynamic model, integrating field data and advanced modelling to assess current conditions and key processes influencing the system. It evaluates a range of management options - including entrance modifications, structural changes, and coastal protection works - by simulating their impacts on hydrodynamics, sediment transport, water quality, and flood risk. The findings provide a robust evidence base to guide decision making, highlighting trade-offs and supporting sustainable, long-term management of the estuary under future climate and sea level rise scenarios.

Development of Entrance Management Strategy for Lake Cathie(PDF, 19MB)

This report develops an evidence based Entrance Management Strategy for the Lake Cathie - Lake Innes ICOLL system, combining historical analysis, conceptual modelling, and best practice review to understand entrance dynamics and management constraints. It evaluates the risks and trade offs of intervention methods, highlighting the benefits of berm scraping over pilot channel openings to achieve gradual water level reductions while minimising environmental impacts such as acid sulfate soil disturbance and water quality degradation. The study provides a framework of short , medium , and long term management options to balance flood risk mitigation, ecological health, and community expectations under future climate and sea level rise scenarios.

Lake Cathie Entrance Monitoring System Report(PDF, 2MB)

This report presents the development and implementation of a real time Lake Cathie Entrance Monitoring System that integrates environmental data, telemetry, and predictive modelling to improve understanding of entrance behaviour. It outlines how the system uses water level, rainfall, and ocean data to forecast conditions and inform timely decision making around entrance management. The report demonstrates how this approach supports proactive flood risk management while enhancing transparency and operational efficiency.

Water Quality Improvement Strategy(PDF, 62MB)

The project developed a comprehensive Water Quality Improvement Strategy that brings together data, local knowledge and stakeholder input to clearly identify key water quality issues and their sources across the region’s coastal waterways. It provides Council with a prioritised, practical set of actions and an implementation pathway to address current pressures and manage future growth. The strategy also establishes a strong foundation for ongoing monitoring and adaptive management, supporting long-term environmental, social and economic outcomes and informing the Coastal Management Program.