Tuggerah Lakes Coastal Management Program

Tuggerah Lakes is a complex and ecologically significant estuarine system, encompassing Lake Munmorah, Budgewoi Lake, and Tuggerah Lake. The catchment spans approximately 790 km², including upland plateaus, river valleys, and floodplains. The lakes are central to the region’s identity, supporting biodiversity, recreation, cultural heritage, and community wellbeing.

The Tuggerah Lakes Coastal Management Program (CMP) is being developed to provide a long-term, strategic framework for managing the lakes and their catchment in an ecologically sustainable and community-informed way. The CMP is a legislative requirement under the NSW Coastal Management Act 2016, replacing the former Estuary Management Plan (EMP).

📊 Stage One – Scoping Study

The Stage One Scoping Study is complete and available in the document library. It was informed by:

  • Community feedback
  • The Tuggerah Lakes Expert Panel report
  • Existing plans and studies

The Scoping Study:

  • Summarises strategic, environmental, heritage, and future contexts
  • Identifies key issues and knowledge gaps
  • Includes a first-pass risk assessment
  • Maps out forward planning tasks
  • Establishes a framework for collaboration between Council and state agencies

📄View the Scoping Study

🔬 Stage Two – Technical Studies

Stage Two is almost complete and includes targeted studies to address knowledge gaps identified in Stage One. These studies include:

  • Recreational Use Study
  • Wetland Refugia Study
  • Entrance Management Study and Options Paper (pending)
  • Tidal inundation Sea Level Rise assessment (pending)
  • Catchment and receiving waters modelling (pending - this will now be completed during Stage 5 as a high priority action within the CMP)
  • Detailed Risk Assessment (pending)

These studies are being used to inform the development of realistic, evidence-based management actions.

🧩 Stage Three – Strategy Development

Stage Three involves:

  • Evaluating management options based on technical studies and community input
  • Developing the following strategies:
  • Co-designing strategies with the community through Community Focus Groups
  • Integrating recommendations from the Tuggerah Lakes Expert Panel, including:
    • Strategic plans for wrack, stormwater, and entrance management
    • Shared learning and collaborative decision-making
    • Transparent communication and engagement

📄 Stage Four – Finalisation and Certification

Once the draft CMP is complete, it will be:

  • Exhibited for public feedback
  • Reviewed and refined based on submissions
  • Submitted to the NSW Government for certification

Certification will confirm that the CMP meets legislative requirements and reflects best practice in coastal management.

🚀 Stage Five – Implementation

Following certification, Council will begin implementing the CMP through:

  • On-ground works (e.g. foreshore restoration, stormwater upgrades)
  • Monitoring and evaluation programs
  • Continued community engagement
  • Integration with Council’s Integrated Planning and Reporting (IP&R) framework

Actions will be delivered in partnership with state agencies and community stakeholders, with regular updates provided via the Your Voice Our Coast platform.

Tuggerah CMP Scoping Study

👥 Community Engagement

Community engagement is a critical part of the Tuggerah Lakes Coastal Management Program. It ensures that the values, concerns, and knowledge of the community are considered throughout the planning process.

All engagement activities are guided by the Tuggerah Lakes CMP Stakeholder Engagement Strategy, which outlines a structured, inclusive, and transparent approach to involving the community and stakeholders at each stage of the CMP process.

Phase One Engagement

Between 30 March and 15 June 2021, Central Coast Council conducted the first phase of community consultation to inform the development of the CMP. This included:

  • An online survey
  • Pop-up information stalls
  • Key interest focus groups
  • A dedicated project webpage

📄 View the Stage One Engagement Report

Key Findings:
  • 94.5% of respondents agreed that waterways are a significant reason they live on the Central Coast
  • 98% said waterways contribute to personal health and wellbeing
  • 96.5% supported enhanced protection of natural waterway features
  • 69.2% supported increased funding for waterway management, even with a small rate increase
  • Top values: recreational access, natural beauty, environmental health
  • Top priorities: reducing pollutants, improving water quality, restoring habitats

Targeted Engagement for Strategy Development

As part of Stage 3, Community Focus Groups were established to support the development of two key strategies:

  • The Entrance Management Strategy
  • The Wrack Management Strategy

These groups provided local insights, reviewed technical findings, and helped shape the direction of these strategies to ensure they reflect community priorities and lived experience.

Further opportunities for public input will be available during the public exhibition of the draft CMP in Stage 4.

Register to stay updated.