Located at the northern NSW border, the Tweed Coastal Zone provides a range of benefits for the local community and visitors alike. The coastal zone contains a diverse range of coastal ecosystems and is a pivotal contributor to the regional economy by supporting a vibrant tourism sector, local agriculture industry and a “blue economy” that includes aquaculture and commercial fishing. The Tweed coastline offers a relatively natural and relaxed environment and is highly valued for these features by the local community and by a regional population that extends beyond the shire’s boundaries.

However, the coastal zone is facing increasing pressures from population growth, urbanisation and climate change impacts. To meet these challenges, Tweed Shire Council commissioned Water Technology to prepare Stage 1 of its Coastal Management Program (CMP), which covered its 37 km of open coastline and coastal estuaries, including the Tweed River estuary, Cudgen Creek, Cudgera Creek, and Mooball Creek.

The study included undertaking a risk assessment of the various threats facing the coastal zone over the coming decades. Compilation and review of existing information identified that the open coastline and foreshore development to coastal hazards, including coastal erosion and inundation, and longer-term impacts such as long term shoreline recession and sea-level rise. It also identified that the coastal estuaries face increasing pressure of urbanisation within the catchment, agricultural runoff, and community use pressures stemming from increasing domestic and internal visitation.

Water Technology reviewed the available information regarding these threats to identify critical data gaps that could impact future decision making. Based on this, we developed a targeted program of works required to deliver the CMP – including relevant costs, timing and scope of works.