Shoalhaven residents are invited to view the draft Swan Lake Entrance Management Policy (EMP), which is now on public exhibition.
The EMP identifies the water level triggers and procedures in which Council opens the entrance of the waterway to the ocean, to assist with flood mitigation.
The policy takes into consideration a range of environmental factors and includes the outcome of an evidence-based, technical review of the trigger levels to inform entrance management options.
“I’d like to encourage the community, and particularly residents and businesses in the Swan Lake area, to have a read of this important policy,” said Deputy Mayor, Peter Wilkins.
“It is important the community understand the environmental factors, and the legislative requirements, that inform Council’s decision-making around entrance management, particularly during emergencies,” he said.
The draft EMP has been developed in consultation with several NSW Government agencies.
All estuary entrances in the Shoalhaven are located on land owned by NSW Crown Lands. Council is only permitted to mechanically open entrances in accordance with the water level triggers and conditions contained within EMPs, and the relevant NSW Crown Lands licence.
The draft Swan Lake EMP and draft Swan Lake Entrance Opening Review of Environmental Factors (REF) is now on public exhibition until 30 June 2025.
Residents can view the document and make a submission via Council’s Documents on Exhibition webpage.
More information can also be found on Council’s Shoalhaven Entrance Management Policy Review webpage.
