Frequently asked questions: Estuarine Coastal Management Program

In 2020 community members completed an online survey to share their ideas and feedback on the Estuarine Coastal Management Program for Moruya River, Mummaga Lake, and Wagonga Inlet. This page outlines the FAQs asked by our community during the survey period and Council's answers to these questions.

What is a coastal management program?+

A coastal management program is a long-term strategy for the management of coastal areas. Under the Coastal Management Act 2016, a certified coastal management program allows Council to access NSW Government funding allocated under the NSW Coastal Management Program. The funding is only available for projects identified in a certified coastal management program.

A coastal management program for estuaries aims to:

  • manage risks from coastal hazards such as coastal erosion
  • restore degraded coastal habitats adjacent to estuaries
  • improve the general health of estuaries and their wetlands
  • improve the community's access to estuaries so they can use and enjoy their natural recreational benefits.

Learn more

Where can I see the community survey results?+

The community survey period ended in September 2020. You can see the results on our Estuarine Coastal Management Program for Moruya, Mummaga Lake, and Wagonga Inlet web page:

See our survey results

What research and approval process allowed the decision to start netting in Mummaga Lake and Wagonga Inlet?+

The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development determines fishing rights; Council is not involved in the process. If you have any questions about fishing rights or responsibilities, contact a Fisheries officer:

If you have questions about Mummaga Lake and Wagonga Inlet, contact Montague Fisheries office:

Will Lewis Island be considered in the management plan for Wagonga Inlet?+

Yes, Lewis Island is within the scope of the management plan. Discussions around the future management of the island will be ongoing during the process.

Lewis Island is well known and loved by many community members and visitors. It is an important shelter for significant communities of mangroves and seagrasses. It also provides foraging and nesting grounds for vulnerable shorebirds.

What plans are there to review the current commercial fishing arrangements for Moruya River?+

The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development determines commercial fishing arrangements; Council is not involved in the process.

If you have any questions about commercial fishing arrangements for Moruya River, contact the department:

Contact us

For more information, contact Council's Coastal Management Planner, Cameron Whiting: