Aerial photograph of Wagonga Inlet banner image

Estuaries

Estuaries are areas of transition between the land and the sea with environmental, social and economic importance. All major estuaries within Eurobodalla Shire are tourist destinations and are valued for the recreational opportunities they provide. This high level of human impact means that some estuaries are subject to potential environmental degradation.

Estuaries are also one of the shire's most important natural assets. They support many diverse ecosystems including mangroves, saltmarshes, seagrasses and sandy shoals. These areas function as natural sediment and nutrient filters contributing to cleaner water in the coastal zone.

Our estuaries are highly productive places and provide breeding, spawning and nursery areas for fish, and foraging areas for birds.

  • Batemans Bay and Clyde River Estuary: The Batemans Bay and Clyde River Estuary is in near pristine condition and contains nationally significant wetlands. The Batemans Bay and Clyde River Estuary Management Study provides a program of strategic actions that help to sustain a healthy estuary.
  • Tomaga River Estuary: Council has developed a Coastal Zone Management Plan for  the Tomaga River Estuary, which identifies projects and initiatives aimed at protecting and restoring the environment. You can read our Coastal Zone Management Plan for Tomaga River Estuary.
  • Moruya/Deua River Estuary: The Moruya/Deua River Estuary Management Plan identifies and prioritises both long-term and short-term strategies required for the future management of the estuary.
  • Tuross River Estuary and Coila Lake: Tuross River Estuary is recognised for its ecological importance. It supports a range of wildlife, especially birds. Read about the Tuross and Coila Lakes Management Program and the Tuross Water Quality Improvement Plan.
  • Wagonga Inlet: Council has developed an Estuary Management Study and Plan for Wagonga Inlet. The study and plan are aimed at protecting water quality within the inlet and maintaining a healthy ecosystem.
  • Mummaga Lake: Mummage Lake is a small estuary considered to be either an intermittent estuary or a wave dominated estuary.  Entrance management is jointly managed by Council and the NPWS.

Policies and reports

  • Lake entrance opening policies: Council is responsible for managing most entrances to coastal lakes in the Eurobodalla Shire, with a balance between maintaining natural processes and preventing flooding of assets.
  • Estuary health and water quality monitoring: Council helps to protect and manage our estuaries through the Eurobodalla Estuary Ecosystem Health and Water Quality Monitoring Program. View the estuary ecosystem health and recreational health water quality report cards for Eurobodalla.

Estuarine Coastal Management Program

This is a standalone plan for the management of our estuaries. Estuaries are critical environmental features, holding ecological, cultural, economic, aesthetic and recreational value for all of us.

Contact us

If you need more information, please contact Heidi Thompson (onground works/rehabilitation) or Council's Coastal and Flood Management Planner (planning/policy):

  • T: 02 4474 1000
  • E: Council
  • visit our customer service centre at the corner of Vulcan Street and Campbell Street, Moruya, Monday to Friday between 8.30am and 4.30pm.