ABOUT THE STUDY

In 2004 , a technical study on the Hunter River Estuary was completed as part of the Estuary Management Program for the Hunter River. The report outlined the key physical, ecological and chemical processes that together make up the unique environments of the Hunter River Estuary. It also looked at the cultural, recreational and economic aspects of the river. The next step in the program is to develop an Estuary Management Plan to help councils and Government better manage and protect the Hunter Estuary so that its environmental condition improves into the future. To read the executive summary of the Estuary Processes Study, please visit the Relevant Information and Publications Page.

Newcastle City Council, in association with Maitland City Council, Port Stephens Council and the Department of Natural Resources (DNR), is currently undertaking an Estuary Management Study and Plan in order to provide long-term direction regarding future management of the Hunter River estuary. Consultants, WBM Oceanics Australia and Parsons Brinckerhoff, are preparing the Estuary Management Study and Plan on behalf of the Councils and DNR.

The Hunter River Catchment is one of the largest in NSW covering an area of approximately 22,000km2. The Hunter River Estuary Management Study and Plan will cover the Hunter River and its tributaries to their tidal limits. The tidal limits for the Hunter, Paterson and Williams River are located approximately 64km, 75km and 46km from the ocean, respectively. The study and Plan will also consider land uses and activities in the catchment for the Hunter Estuary, as these have significant consequences for estuary condition.

Through extensive consultation with the local community, the Estuary Management Study aims to determine the Estuary's values and the key processes threatening these values. Using this information, the Estuary Management Study will develop a range of practical management objectives and strategies, including on-ground works, which can be implemented to protect and enhance the Estuary's wide range of values.

Overall objectives for long-term management, along with details of specific management strategies, will be incorporated in the Estuary Management Plan. The Plan will be a formal planning document administered by both Councils. As well as guiding future development within the Study Area, the Plan will also detail agreed works to be carried out within the estuary, and will assign responsibility and designated timeframes to the works.

Community input is vital to the development of an Estuary Management Plan (EMP) that addresses the key issues facing the estuary. The greater the level of community involvement, the more representative the EMP will be of community values. To be involved in the study please visit the How You Can Be Involved page.

For further information regarding the project methodology, please visit the Study Methodology page.