Woolgoolga Lake Estuary Coastal Zone Management Plan (7.9MB)

2.1 Summary of Proposed ActionsEducational strategies to address soil management and pesticide, herbicide and fertiliser use inagricultural activities.Encourage horticultural landowners to uptake incentives program for Best Practice Management.Best practice sediment, erosion and water quality management on forestry operations in the catchment.Stormwater management for new urban development.Stormwater management for existing urban development.Encourage horticultural landowners to establish vegetated riparian zones on farm watercourses via theincentives program for Best Practice Management.Control land modification activities on rural lands.2.1.1 Related StrategiesStrategy 1 Entrance Management.Strategy 4 Water Quality.Strategy 6 Fish Stocks.Strategy 7 Aquatic Habitats.Strategy 9 Climate Change and Sea Level Rise Impacts on Water Quality.Strategy 10 Water Quality Monitoring.Strategy 15 Residues from the 1989 Dieldrin/Aldrin Spill.2.1.2 Objectives AddressedImprove the condition and extent of aquatic habitats.Make provisions for the ecological effects of climate change and sea level rise.Improved water quality.2.2 Details of Proposed ActionsStrategy Action 2.1Educational strategies to address soil management and pesticide, herbicide and fertiliser use in agriculturalactivitiesBackground:Community consultation indicates concern that agricultural activities (mostly blueberry and banana farming andhothouse horticulture) may be negatively impacting water quality in Woolgoolga Lake via inputs of sediment,nutrients and agricultural chemicals.A campaign of awareness targeting rural landholders is considered an appropriate way of addressing theseconcerns, improving agricultural practices and having a positive effect on water quality in Woolgoolga Lake.Workshops run by Coffs Harbour Regional Landcare in 2011 (Coffs Harbour Landcare 2011) targeting fertiliseruse on blueberry farms are an example of recent initiatives that could be expanded upon. Workshops could bebased upon existing guidelines (NSW DPI 2008a & b) and utilise the expertise of NSW DPI (Agriculture) stafffrom the Coffs Harbour region. In order to achieve the best outcomes for waterways the workshops shouldfocus on best practice soil management and chemical use.Specific TasksDevelop and deliver a series of workshops aimed at blueberry and banana farmers in the catchment thatdescribe: strategies to reduce erosion, such as contour alignment of rows, installation of trafficable cross banks atCoastal Zone Management Plan - Woolgoolga Lake Estuary1616-100417