Community priorities for Tweed River revealed in values report
10 May 2017
A community values report providing valuable insight to the uses and environmental condition of the Tweed River Estuary, completed as part of preparing a new management plan for the waterway, has been received by Council and is now available for the public to view.
“Over 1200 people took part in our river values and uses survey conducted in September and October 2016,” Council’s Waterways Program Leader, Tom Alletson, said.
“This is a great rate of participation, reflecting the high level of interest in the river from across the community, throughout Tweed Shire and beyond.”
The Mayor of Tweed, Councillor Katie Milne, said: "This study shows the Tweed River is important in the lives of an overwhelming majority of the community, especially those who have a direct connection with the River (97% online and 77% phone).
"Its scenic beauty is greatly admired but most respondents were unaware that the health of the River system was not good in many aspects. Our river is highly vulnerable to all the impacts from both land and water-based activities. It needs far more careful management by governments and concerted efforts by the community if we want it to thrive once again.”
Mr Alletson said the survey was conducted online and randomly by telephone, so the information collected was robust and comprehensive. It would be of great assistance in future decision making to balance river recreational use and conservation.
“In summary, it was found the river is highly regarded for its natural and scenic values and is generally considered to be healthy. Recreational opportunities are highly valued and there is general support for a wide range of passive and active, water and shore-based pursuits,” he said.
“People have told us that protection of the natural features of the waterway, addressing bank erosion and ensuring good water quality are priority issues for future river management.
“The community also wants Council and other government agencies to ensure recreational use of the waterway is able to be enjoyed without conflict.”
The community values report can be accessed in full at yoursaytweed.com.au/tweed-river-estuary/documents
A newly-formed Tweed Coast and Waterways Committee is meeting today and will use the community values report to prepare a vision statement for the river, to appear at the start of the completed Tweed River Estuary Management Plan.
“That vision will encapsulate people’s aspirations for conservation and use of the river and inform objectives which will be achieved through implementation of the River Management Plan,” Mr Alletson said.
The Tweed River Estuary Management Plan will be completed in December 2017 and will be exhibited for public comment in early 2018.