Shaws Bay Precinct
water quality and amenity improvements
Throughout 2017 Ballina Shire Council will be acting on the Coastal Zone Management Plan to improve the Shaws Bay precinct for the health of the ecosystem and our community.
Background
Shaws Bay is the body of water that was formed when the northern training wall of the Richmond River was constructed near the river entrance at Ballina.
The bay comprises part of the former river course and exchanges water with the main river every day. It is a popular spot for leisure activities such as picnicking, swimming, snorkelling, canoeing and walking.
The area is very scenic and the landform varies from gently sloping beaches to a steep sandy escarpment which retains littoral rainforest species. The seagrasses in the bay are regarded as some of the best in northern NSW and provide a wonderful environment for safe snorkelling.
Protecting the health of the bay and providing community access
A Shaws Bay Coastal Zone Management Plan (CZMP) has been developed to establish management objectives, address management issues and identify community desires for the future management of Shaws Bay.
The CZMP was certified by the NSW Minister for Planning and was Gazetted on 24 June 2016 and includes a series of actions that will assist to achieve the plan’s objectives.
Ballina Shire Council will progressively work through these actions, and has identified the following works to progress in 2017 (illustrated in attached factsheet).
Actions completed or currently underway
- Mangroves removed from bay along training wall (juvenile and as per licence from Department of Primary Industries – Fisheries).
- Weed and vegetation management and removal in adjacent reserves and along training wall.
- Water testing and monitoring for recreational swimming quality under the Beachwatch Program (occurs weekly).
- New toilet facilities at Pop Denison Park (commence soon).
Action 1: Control bank erosion and siltation into the bay
The existing rock will be removed, banks stabilised and access to the bay improved. Sandy beaches will be created and access to other areas will be closed to allow for revegetation. Much of this work will be carried out at low tide.
Timeline to commence: February/March 2017
Budget: $510,000 (grant depending)
Funding partners: Ballina Shire Council, Office of Environment and Heritage, Department of Industry - Lands.
Action 2: Dredging
Objective: Reduce infilling and improve water circulation.
This stage of the CZMP is of great importance for the health of the bay. Council is discussing proposals with Department of Primary Industries - Fisheries and Office of Environment and Heritage.
Council has submitted a grant application to OEH for funding to advance the investigation, studies, approvals and licences required to progress the dredging works.
Timeline to commence: ASAP but this is dependent on grant funding and other State government agency approvals and licences
Budget: estimated to be up to $500,000
Funding partners: Ballina Shire Council, Department of Industry - Lands, Office of Environment and Heritage.
Action 3: Improve Compton Drive Foreshore
Objective: Enhance safety and recreational amenity of the foreshore and improve stormwater systems and treatments.
Carparking on the foreshore will be formalised as well as safer shared path access through the foreshore.
The entry point to the bay will be improved with the installation of a boardwalk style ramp.
Picnic recreational areas will be added, along with shower facilities.
Timeline to commence: July 2017
Budget: $200,000
Funding partners: Ballina Shire Council.
Action 4: Expand Pop Denison Park
Objective: Enhance ecological value, foreshore access and recreational amenity of the Park.
These works improve access to the eastern foreshore. New toilet facilities will be built as well as additional and formalised carparking. The shared path will also continue through this precinct.
Timeline to commence: Early to Mid 2017
Budget: $500,000
Funding partners: Ballina Shire Council, Department of Primary Industries - Lands.
Downloads:
- Shaws Bay Precinct - water quality and amenity improvements - Factsheet - February 2017
- Shaws Bay Coastal Zone Management Plan - Volume 1 - November 2015 (2.8mb pdf)
- Shaws Bay Coastal Zone Management Plan - Volume 2 - November 2015 (3.2mb pdf)
- Shaws Bay Estuary Management Plan 2000 (pdf)
- Shaws Bay Part V - Notice of Determination - 1 March 2017
- Shaws Bay Foreshore Upgrades - Review of Environmental Effects - 29 January 2017 (11.6mb pdf)
- Beachwatch Monitoring
Further information:
Development and Environmental Health Group, Ph: 02 6686 1210.
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