Lake Macquarie is the largest coastal saltwater lake in New South Wales and a defining natural feature of both Lake Macquarie City and the northern edge of the Central Coast. Its ecological richness, cultural significance, and recreational value make it one of the most treasured waterways in the region.

The Lake Macquarie Coastal Management Program (CMP) was developed by Lake Macquarie City Council in collaboration with the NSW Department of Planning and Environment, other state agencies, and regional stakeholders—including Central Coast Council, which manages the southern portion of the lake’s foreshore and catchment.

The CMP was certified by the NSW Minister for the Environment on 26 September 2023 and outlines 114 priority actions to be implemented over the next 10 years to protect and enhance the lake, coastline, and Swansea Channel.

📊 Stage One – Scoping Study

The Scoping Study (Appendix 2 of the CMP) laid the foundation for the program by:

• Reviewing existing management plans, including the 2015 Coastal Zone Management Plan
• Identifying key coastal hazards, environmental values, and community uses
• Mapping the spatial extent of the coastal management areas
• Highlighting knowledge gaps and recommending targeted technical studies
• Establishing a governance framework and stakeholder engagement approach

The study confirmed the need for a whole-of-system CMP and informed the structure of the final program, which is divided into:

• Part A: Coastline
• Part B: Estuary (Lake Macquarie)
• Part C: Swansea Channel

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🔬 Stage Two – Technical Studies

As outlined in Section 4.3 (page 51) of the CMP, a series of technical studies were undertaken to address knowledge gaps and support evidence-based decision-making. These included:

• Coastal hazard assessments (erosion, recession, inundation)
• Estuarine process studies (hydrodynamics, sediment transport, water quality)
• Ecological assessments (habitat condition, biodiversity, threatened species)
• Climate change vulnerability analysis
• Social and economic values mapping
• Infrastructure and asset risk assessments

These studies informed the development of management objectives, risk assessments, and the prioritisation of actions across the three landscape areas.

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🧩 Stage Three – CMP Development

Following the completion of technical studies and community engagement, Stage 3 focused on drafting the Coastal Management Program. This involved:

• Synthesising findings from Stage 1 and 2
• Identifying and prioritising management actions across the three landscape areas (coastline, estuary, Swansea Channel)
• Aligning proposed actions with community values, scientific evidence, and legislative requirements
• Developing a 10-year implementation schedule with cost estimates and funding strategies
• Establishing monitoring indicators and performance measures

The CMP includes 114 priority actions, grouped under themes such as:

• Coastal hazard mitigation
• Water quality improvement
• Habitat restoration
• Community education and stewardship
• Infrastructure resilience
• Planning and development controls

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📄 Stage Four – Certification

The final CMP was submitted to the NSW Department of Planning and Environment and certified by the Minister for the Environment on 26 September 2023.

Certification confirms that the CMP:

• Meets the requirements of the NSW Coastal Management Act 2016
• Aligns with the Coastal Management SEPP
• Reflects best practice in coastal planning and risk management
• Has been developed through robust technical analysis and meaningful community engagement

📄 View the Certified CMP

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🚀 Stage Five – Implementation

With the CMP now certified, Central Coast Council is working with Lake Macquarie City Council and other stakeholders to deliver priority actions within our jurisdiction.

Implementation will be integrated into Council’s Integrated Planning and Reporting (IP&R) framework and will include:

• On-ground works such as foreshore stabilisation, revegetation, and stormwater upgrades
• Monitoring programs to track water quality, habitat condition, and community satisfaction
• Ongoing community engagement and education initiatives
• Collaboration with state agencies and neighbouring councils to ensure consistency and efficiency

Progress will be reviewed regularly, and the CMP will be formally updated every 10 years to reflect new data, emerging challenges, and evolving community priorities.

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👥 Community Engagement

Community engagement was guided by the Community and Stakeholder Engagement Plan (Appendix 3 of the CMP), which ensured a transparent, inclusive, and collaborative process.

Phase One Engagement – Central Coast Focus

Between 30 March and 15 June 2021, Central Coast Council conducted early engagement to inform the CMP. This included:

• Online survey
• Pop-up information stalls
• Focus groups
• Digital outreach

📄 View the Lake Macquarie Mini Report

Key Findings:

• 88.7% of respondents strongly agreed that waterways are a significant reason they live on the Central Coast
• 96.2% said waterways contribute to personal health and wellbeing
• 63.9% said they would reduce visits if waterway condition declined
• Top values: recreation, natural beauty, waterway cleanliness
• Top priorities: reducing pollutants, improving water quality, community education