Council is commencing a program of proactive works to strategically move sand from the sand spit at The Entrance channel to renourish the eroded northern foreshores of Karagi Point Reserve.

Council Director Environment and Planning Alice Howe said conditions are suitable for these works which will provide multiple benefits.

“These works will improve access and help protect the amenity and foreshore infrastructure at Karagi Reserve carpark. Importantly the works will also reduce the amount of sand needing to be moved from the sand spit by Council (in accordance with the Tuggerah Lakes Interim Entrance Management Procedure) should flood mitigation works be required this winter,” Dr Howe said.

“Now that the critically endangered Little Terns have flown to the northern hemisphere for our winter, we’re taking advantage of the timing and conditions to undertake these protection works.”

Council Unit Manager Environmental Management, Luke Sulkowski said the entrance to Tuggerah Lakes is a dynamic environment with ever-changing conditions.

“Council actively monitors the condition of the entrance to Tuggerah Lakes and the other coastal lagoons using aerial and satellite imagery and water level gauges,” Mr Sulkowski said.

“The Entrance Channel remains open, with Council prepared to intervene in accordance with our procedures if our flood intelligence tool predicts lake levels of 1.3m AHD or higher.”

“Although the focus of the works at this time is to protect and improve access and amenity around Karagi Point Reserve, this will also make it easier for Council to respond during a severe weather event when flood mitigation works may be required.”

“When The Entrance channel is in a more constricted state, water levels in Tuggerah Lakes tend to be slightly higher on average.  This natural variation in water levels is an important process which can improve water quality and amenity and the health of the estuary, and does not materially affect flood impacts.

“The higher water levels immerse the lake’s fringing wetland habitats, assist with the distribution of wrack and improve mixing of the water between shallow nearshore areas and deeper parts of the lakes.”

Council is currently working towards the development of an Entrance Management Strategy through the Tuggerah Lakes Coastal Management Program. Interested community members can register their interest in staying up to date with news and opportunities to be involved.

Council Administrator Rik Hart said protecting, restoring and managing our natural assets, including Tuggerah Lakes is of high importance to Council.

“The strategic management of Tuggerah Lakes and The Entrance channel is undertaken on the foundation of expert studies, estuary and coastal management intelligence tools and the expertise of specialist consultants and Council staff,” Mr Hart said.

“I encourage interested residents to read further information on the monitoring and management of Tuggerah Lakes and The Entrance channel on Council’s website and contact Council with any questions.”

To view a time-lapse video of The Entrance channel, FAQS and to read more on how Council monitors Tuggerah Lakes and the channel, go to centralcoast.nsw.gov.au

Works will commence from 22 May and are anticipated to take approximately 4 weeks, weather dependant. Site preparation works will commence 16 May, with the Hutton Rd carpark and Karagi Point Reserve closed to the public from this time until works are completed. The Little Tern breeding season has recently ended and the fencing around their breeding ground will also be removed at this time.  

ENDS