A community forum was held on Saturday 19 May about the Lagoon Management Plan.
It was a fantastic turn out of residents from all areas of Pearl Beach not just those directly abutting the Lagoon – as it should be as the Lagoon is a community asset that is pivotal to the health of the Pearl Beach environment.
Since urban development the habitat value of Pearl Beach Lagoon has declined. This is in response to pressures such as urban runoff, modifications to the natural movement of water and weed invasion. These issues are likely to be exacerbated into the future as a result of population increase, climate change impacts and projected rises in mean sea level as well as the cumulative effects of past practices.??
The wetland condition and its preservation is of concern to Council and the residents of Pearl Beach. Council, in conjunction with NSW Department of Environment & Heritage, is looking to develop a Coastal Zone Management Plan (CZMP) to assess the health of Pearl Beach Lagoon, engage the local community in contributing to the management process and identify management options based upon sound scientific research.??
The website for the Pearl Beach Lagoon Forum is now on the web. This will give you access for any comments, updates and feedback. Just go to http://haveyoursaygosford.com.au/pearlbeachlagoon.
The Pearl Beach Progress Association will also continue to keep you updated on progress through its monthly General Meeting (the first Saturday of each month at 5pm) and its website. To automatically get updates from the Pearl Beach Association web-site please register your email address by going to pearlbeach.net.au.
Thank you for caring for Pearl Beach and your involvement in this important community initiative.
Regards
Roger Murray President of the Pearl Beach Progress Association