CCPA – Wooli welcomes new Mayor Ray Smith PSM

CCPA – Wooli welcomes new Mayor Ray Smith PSM (Public Service Medal).

With local government elections finalised a month ago and a new mayor elected for Clarence Valley Council, CCPA executive members wasted no time in requesting a meeting with new Mayor Ray Smith.   The meeting, held at council chambers in Grafton on Friday 22nd November was attended by Ray Smith, Mayor, Laura Black, General Manager , Bruce Ward, CCPA President, Paul Coves CCPA Vice President and Margaret Ward, CCPA committee member.

The purpose of the meeting was to congratulate Cr. Smith on his appointment and provide him with background information regarding Coastal Communities Protection Alliance – Wooli (CCPA-Wooli) and its historical relationship with Council.  Discussion topics covered why CCPA was formed, this being to provide community representation in response to State Government’s preferred solution of “Planned Retreat” as a solution to the threat of climate change and beach erosion.  Of considerable concern was the content of the draft Coastal Zone Management Plan (CZMP) prepared by Clarence Valley Council (CVC) in 2010. It was explained to Cr. Smith that while Clarence Valley Council supported the “Planned Retreat” position, it was not acceptable to the majority of Wooli residents. Further discussions highlighted how through a guided scientific approach, based on real data and soliciting expert opinion, CCPA has provided a non-adversarial pathway to dealing with beach erosion other than “Planned Retreat.”  The outcome of this process saw Council shift from the position of Planned Retreat, replacing the CZMP to an approach based on “beach nourishment”,  This alternative plan was approved by Council and certified by the Minister for Planning in 2015.   Based on the opinions of beach erosion specialists, a combination of beach nourishment and sand trapping, supported by planting of the dunes, was adopted. Since that time, 2 beach nourishment projects have been undertaken in the section of beach determined to be at most risk, the first in 2019 and the most recent in October 2023. At this stage it is estimated that approximately one third of the volume of sand required to provide protection in a 1:50 year storm event has been pushed up to form a secondary dune, therefore the work continues.   In rounding off, Bruce mentioned that the relationship CCPA and Clarence Valley Council have established over the 14 year time frame has provided a positive example of community and council collaboration.  Other coastal communities are now seeking guidance from CCPA as to the methods which may be used to deal with erosion in similar coastal erosion hotspots.

Cr. Smith was then directed to the CCPA website www.protectwooli.com.au for further details, photographs and the time line of activities from 2010 to the current day.

Having provided the background, Bruce Ward enquired about Council’s position with regard to the time frame for continuation of beach nourishment projects.  Laura Black positively responded indicating that Council had applied for State Government funding and submitted the required documentation to the Minister for Environment for endorsement and certification. Laura further commented that this may take some time, possibly 4 to six weeks. While CVC has local government funds available for a 3rd beach nourishment project, the Coastal Zone Management Plan requires certification from the Minister. Bruce Ward indicated that CCPA were also in a position to contribute financially to the next beach nourishment project. Further to this, approval must be sought and gained from Crown Lands and the traditional owners. Laura  indicated that CVC is actively managing this process, and this also may take time.

Moving on from here, the discussion turned to the health of the Wooli Wooli River and the degradation of the river banks through siltation of the river bed, made worse by the wake and wash from boat usage and ad hoc pedestrian pathways created for access to the water’s edge for recreational swimming.  This is  an issue evidenced from the mouth of the river right up to the caravan park at the entrance to the village. Vandalism of the natural environment on the river bank is seen to be an increasing problem, with flora & infrastructure damaged when accessing the river, ultimately leading to collapse of the banks.  Furthermore, it was explained that silting up of the river is creating navigation risks for recreational boats, with some sections unable to be navigated at low tide.

Bruce, Paul & Margaret indicated that these concerns were voiced by many community members at the drop in session held at the Wooli Hall in early April this year as part of the community engagement for Estuary Management Plan/Clarence Valley Open Coast Coastal Management Plan. “Have Your Say” program. Laura indicated that feedback regarding these concerns would be provided to Bruce for distribution to CCPA members.

Further to this, Bruce enquired as to the status of the investigations and assessment by DPI Fisheries in relation to the Wooli River.  Laura indicated that an update will be provided as to the timing of those findings.

In the interests of reinforcing the ties of Council and community, Bruce, Paul and Margaret suggested that a community meeting with the Mayor and Councillors in Wooli could be arranged in early 2025.  Both Ray & Laura agreed that they would be keen to be involved and looked forward to an invitation. Margaret Ward is to follow up with the mayoral office to confirm the councillor’s availability.   In the spirit of collaboration, and to keep residents up to date with council activities, Laura suggested that CCPA could assist with the distribution of the quarterly CVC magazine in Wooli.  Collection of the magazines will be arranged by Margaret Ward with customer service.

Feedback in relation to enquiries post meeting.

In response to enquiries brought up during the meeting on 22nd November, General Manager Laura Black responded to Bruce on 26th November with feedback as follows:

1.00 The Estuary Management Plan is part of the Open Coast Coastal Management Plan resolved at the August (Council) meeting to be submitted to the Minister.  See here for the relevant documentation  Clarence Valley Coastline and Estuaries plans and studies | Clarence Valley Council.

2.00 Uriah Makings (CVC Senior Coast & Estuaries Officer) is working closely with DPI-Fisheries (through a consultant – Fruition Environmental), who is undertaking bank and riparian assessments throughout 10 estuaries across the North-Coast, including the Wooli Wooli River and Clarence River.  The assessments will assess bank condition including:

• Erosion – severity, trajectory, impact and risk (both of built environment assets) and riparian conditions.
• Condition of existing bank protection works.
• Riparian condition – vegetation condition, weeds etc
• Primary recommendations on bank management works where required

The assessments will be useful for us as they will provide an up-to-date detailed assessment of erosion risks to council assets and priority sites to address. Other outputs will also significantly inform the Clarence River CMP and contribute to Natural Resource Management projects. CVC is expecting a draft prioritisation methodology from Fruition this week to ensure we concur with their prioritisation approach.

As part of the project Fruition have been undertaking targeted community consultation, only with key community groups. While CVC is not yet privy to the conclusion from the bank assessment, Uriah has been advised the assessments are almost complete for both Wooli and Clarence and we can expect draft reports early in the new year.

3.00 Estuary erosion adjacent to South Terrace – Yaegl has received some funds to progress some works in this area. The plan is for increased protection through restricting ad hoc parking and pedestrian access. As Crown Land manager for the area, a licence has been provided to undertake the works, which were co-designed by Yaegl and council staff.

Looking forward to 2025.

The meeting with council has provided a timely update and useful feedback for the planning of future works at Wooli.  CCPA executive look forward to inviting Wooli residents to a community engagement event in February 2025 with the view to providing council with an overview of the environmental, and community based needs of the village.    More to come about that soon.