Coastal Lagoons: Avoca, Terrigal, Wamberal and Cockrone

Our lagoons—Terrigal, Wamberal, Cochrane, and Avoca—are true gems of the Central Coast. These tranquil waters are home to incredible wildlife, offer stunning views, and provide cherished spaces for recreation and relaxation. But with increasing community use and development pressures, these delicate ecosystems need thoughtful care and planning.

That’s why Central Coast Council is developing a dedicated Coastal Management Program (CMP) just for our lagoons. Their unique environments, vibrant communities, and specific challenges deserve focused attention. This CMP will help us preserve and enhance these natural treasures so they remain healthy, accessible, and resilient for generations to come.

🌱 Why a Separate CMP for the Lagoons?

While our lagoons are part of the broader coastal system, they face distinct ecological pressures and management needs. By creating a standalone CMP, we can:

  • Tailor actions to lagoon-specific issues like entrance dynamics, water quality, and habitat protection
  • Engage directly with communities who live near and love these lagoons
  • Ensure lagoon management is integrated with broader coastal planning but not overshadowed by open coast priorities

📊 CMP Progress Overview

Stage 1: Scoping Study ✅ Completed September 2021

The Scoping Study for the Open Coast and Coastal Lagoons CMPs was completed as a combined effort. It:

  • Identified key management issues and knowledge gaps
  • Reviewed existing management arrangements
  • Recommended targeted technical studies
  • Outlined a forward program for the next stages

This study was reviewed by Council and NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment (DPIE) staff.

Stage 2: Technical Studies ✅ Completed April 2024

We secured a $327,000 Coastal and Estuary Grant from the NSW Government to undertake the technical studies needed for Stage 2 of both the Open Coast and Coastal Lagoons CMPs.

Completed studies include:

These studies provide the scientific foundation for developing effective, evidence-based management options.

Stage 3: Options Assessment 🔄 In Progress (Late 2025)

Stage 3 focuses on identifying and evaluating potential management actions based on:

  • Findings from Stage 2 studies
  • Community values and priorities
  • Multi-criteria analysis (MCA) to assess feasibility, effectiveness, and alignment with CMP objectives

In early 2025, we formed a Community Reference Group through an Expression of Interest (EOI) process. This group meets monthly and is actively involved in co-designing the CMP. Together, we’re working through the MCA process to refine and prioritise management options.

Stage 4 – Public exhibition

  • March 2026:
    • Draft CMP to be presented to Council’s Environment and Planning Committee.
    • Council resolution sought to place the draft CMP on public exhibition.
  • April 2026:
    • Public exhibition period begins.
    • CMP will be available for community review and feedback for a minimum of 28 days.
  • May 2026:
    • Council will review submissions and finalise the CMP based on community input.
  • Mid-2026:
    • Final CMP to be adopted by Council.
    • CMP submitted to the NSW Minister for Environment for certification.

👥 Community Engagement

Community input has been central to the development of the Coastal Lagoons CMP, and our approach to engagement is guided by the Community and Stakeholder Engagement Strategy. This strategy ensures that our engagement is inclusive, transparent, and culturally safe, and that it supports meaningful participation throughout the CMP process.

Over the years, we've heard from you through a variety of channels, and your feedback continues to shape our planning and priorities.

Here's how you've contributed:

  • Participation in previous planning
    Many of you were involved in the development of earlier Coastal Zone Management Plans, including the CZMP for Gosford’s Lagoons (2015), helping to identify key issues and actions.
  • Ongoing feedback
    We regularly receive valuable insights through our Customer Service Centres, emails, and direct community interactions. These everyday contributions help us understand emerging concerns and priorities.
  • Stage One Waterways Survey
    In 2021, we conducted the region-wide Our Coast, Our Waterways survey, which received over 1,100 responses. The survey explored how our community uses and values waterways, and what you see as the biggest threats and opportunities.
  • Community Reference Group
    We've also undertaken focused engagement to better understand the specific issues and management opportunities for our lagoons. This includes the formation of a Community Reference Group who are currently meeting on a monthly basis to co-design the management options.

🔜 Upcoming Engagement

As part of Stage 3, we’ll soon be seeking community input on our draft long list of management options for the lagoons. This is your opportunity to help shape the future of these special places by reviewing and providing feedback on the proposed actions.

Stay tuned for updates—and be sure to register to receive notifications so you don’t miss your chance to have a say.


Avoca Lagoon: Changes Over Time

📚 Previous Management Plans

The management of our lagoons has been guided in the past by the Coastal Zone Management Plan (CZMP) for Gosford’s Lagoons (Cardno, 2015), which was informed by the earlier Coastal Zone Management Study conducted around 2012–2013.

Since its adoption, approximately 65% of the actions outlined in the CZMP have been either completed or are ongoing. The remaining 35% of actions—many of which remain relevant—are being reviewed for potential inclusion in the new Coastal Management Program, ensuring continuity where appropriate and alignment with current priorities, science, and community values.