Shaws Bay

Shaws Bay is an artificial embayment forming part of the lower Richmond River estuary. It is separated from the main estuary by the North Training Wall and is a popular recreational area. Management of Shaws Bay was previously guided by the Shaws Bay Coastal Zone Management Plan, with a new Coastal Management Program for Shaws Bay currently under development. More information on these strategic plans is included below.

Pop Denison Park Shaws Bay

(JPG, 264KB)

Boardwalk- over saltmarsh at low tide

(JPG, 269KB)

East Arm - of Shaws bay

(JPG, 392KB)

Stormwater Improvements in Shaws Bay

(JPG, 523KB)

Shaws Bay Coastal Management Program

Due to changes in legislation, and the growing need to address issues such as climate change, Shaws Bay will be the focus of a new Coastal Management Program (CMP), with funding assistance from the NSW Government’s Coastal and Estuary Grants Program.

Ballina Shire Council will transition the existing Shaws Bay Coastal Zone Management Plan into a Coastal Management Program in accordance with the Coastal Management Act 2016 and the NSW Government Coastal Management Framework.

Ballina-based Hydrosphere Consulting was appointed to develop Stage 1 of the Shaws Bay CMP. The Stage 1 Scoping Study was completed in 2023 and will be used to inform future stages of the Coastal Management Program. 


Shaws Bay Coastal Zone Management Plan

Most actions identified in the Shaws Bay Coastal Zone Management Plan (CZMP) have now been successfully completed. These works have included dredging to improve tidal flushing and water quality, beach nourishment and the creation of sandy beaches, expansion and rectification work on rock groynes on the eastern arm to mitigate erosion, construction of a boardwalk and a salt marsh basin, rehabilitation of vegetation and creation of protected vegetated areas, educational signage, improved car parking, installation of access ramps, showers, seating, picnic tables and shelters.

Resources


 

healthy_waterways.jpg

Shaws Bay is part of the Healthy Waterways Program, which protects the ecological, cultural, recreational and economic benefits of waterways and the environment enjoyed by residents and visitors of the Ballina Shire. Learn more about Healthy Waterways here.

 

Back to top