Work has started on the development of the Richmond River Coastal Management Program (CMP), a long-term strategy for the management of the Richmond River catchment which includes parts of the Byron Shire.
In the past a Coastal Zone Management Plan focused on the management of the Richmond River in the Ballina, Lismore and Richmond Valley council areas.
“This time the plan is for a ‘whole of catchment approach’ to the Richmond River, recognising how the health of the upper catchments affect the lower reaches of the river,” Peter Boyd, Biodiversity and Agricultural Projects Officer, said.
“Just under half of Byron Shire drains into the Richmond, with waterways including Coopers Creek, Wilsons Creek and Byron Creek flowing into the Wilson River and then to the Richmond,” he said.
“It is well known that the Richmond River catchment is in poor health and the CMP will help us prioritise the issues and plan actions and activities to improve its health over time.
“While the health of the Richmond River could be better at the moment, the catchment is incredibly important to people for its cultural, environmental, recreational and commercial values,” Mr Boyd said.
Hydrosphere consultants is managing the development of the Richmond River CMP on behalf of councils including Byron Shire.
The first stage of the project, a scoping study, is currently underway and people are being asked to send in their thoughts and ideas on the problems, issues and management of the Richmond River catchment.
