Shoalhaven River Boating Plan - Transport For NSW

Actions:With respect to navigation aids, by 2013 NSW Maritime will:oInstall navigation aids in the previously unmarked section of the river from the current markerlimit at Bamarang to the extent of the tidal influence at Burrier;oInstall kilometre signs at intervals along the main river indicating distance from the river mouth;oNumber all navigation aids and update maps accordingly.oReview the existing configuration of navigation aids on the estuary and where appropriate replaceand/or install new marks.With respect to moorings, by 2013 NSW Maritime will: Review the existing ceiling for moorings. Consider the need for additional courtesy and emergency moorings on the Shoalhaven. Ensure mooring placement complies with relevant Department of Primary Industries FisheriesHabitat Management Plans and has regard for commercial fishing grounds. Ensure appropriate waste management procedures for moored vessels are developed; and Undertake an education campaign targeting mooring apparatus maintenance.4.3 Wharves, Jetties and Boat RampsThe table below lists each of the estuary’s boat ramps and facilities:LOCATIONLANESPARKINGJETTY /(Cars & Trailers)PONTOONWharf Rd – Berry, Broughton Creek140NoBomaderry Ramp – Bomaderry Creek120YesBroughton Creek Ramp, Broughton Creek1Street OnlyNoCrookhaven Ramp, Crookhaven River280YesGreenwell Point – Bowling Club, Crookhaven River130YesGreenwell Point – West Street, Crookhaven River16YesGreenwell Point –Wharf, Crookhaven River1100NoGreys Beach – Nowra, Shoalhaven River350YesNowra Wharf – Nowra, Shoalhaven River16YesOrient Point - Crookhaven River125NoHay Ave Ramp – Shoalhaven Heads110NoRiver Rd Ramp – Shoalhaven Heads110NoWharf Rd Ramp – Shoalhaven Heads16NoShoalhaven Ski Park, Shoalhaven River150No

Issues:The following issues have been raised by stakeholders: Limited public access to the river, especially upstream of the Nowra Bridge. Of the 11 boat rampson the river, only two are located on the Upper Shoalhaven and one of these is privately owned. The Upper Shoalhaven River Waterway Users Study 2004 suggested there is an unevendistribution of boat usage with “a higher concentration of boating activity around the NowraAnimal Park / Shoalhaven Ski Park area”.The study suggested there is potential “to alleviateexcessive boat use in the Nowra Bridge to Humbug Reach section by encouraging waterway usersto relocate to under-utilised reaches further up stream.”Actions:NSW Maritime supports the provision of additional launching facilities, particularly on the upperestuary. This would reduce overcrowding at the Greys Beach launching facility, and reduce thenumber of vessels cruising through busy areas en route to destinations upstream. A reduction invessel activity around the Nowra Bridge to Humbug Reach area would lessen impact on the moreeroded sections of river in this ure projects that benefit the boatingcommunity.Under its Maritime InfrastructureProgram (MIP) projects are initiated by aproponentsuchasthelocalCouncilorcommunity groups, who normally provide 50%of the overall funding of each project.During the life of this plan, NSW Maritime willliaise with the Shoalhaven City Council over theissue of additional boat ramps and whereBomaderry Boat Ramppossible assist in sourcing grant funding for theconstruction of new facilities and/or improvements to existing infrastructure.4.4 Vessel wastesIssue:Stakeholders raised concerns regarding appropriate management of sewage, bilge water, oil/fuelspillage and/or general litter, both in the water and around service facilities.The greatest contributors to poor water quality are land-based stormwater, septic and seweragesystems. However, discharge of sewage and other pollutants from vessels may contribute to localisedwater quality problems, especially in heavily trafficked areas.

Actions: “Sewage Pollution from Vessels” StrategyWater quality degradation due to the impacts of boating is being addressed through Maritime’s“Sewage Pollution from Vessels” strategy. Key initiatives include: adoption in 2003 of amendments to the Marine Pollution Regulation 2001:ooprohibiting discharge of untreated sewage in certain areas;requiring that passenger-carrying commercial vessels and houseboats installtoilets and holding tanks to prevent sewage discharge into NSW waterways; andoimposing a 500 metre buffer from environmentally sensitive areas for thedischarge of treated sewage. (This effectively makes the whole of the ShoalhavenEstuary a no-discharge zone for both treated and untreated sewage); an education campaign to inform the boating community of its responsibilities inmanaging sewage discharge from vessels. MooringsMooring applications are subject to an assessment process to ensure they do not unduly impacton marine flora and fauna, particularly seagrass. Pump-outs and fuelling facilitiesNSW Maritime generally recommends that Development Approvals for new berthing facilities,such as marinas, incorporate appropriate pump-out facilities for vessels. A pump-out facility iscurrently located at Nowra Wharf. NSW Maritime supports an additional facility on the estuaryand will work with Shoalhaven City Council to investigate the location such a facility in the vicinityof Greenwell Point.NSW Maritime also recommends that developments containing fuelling facilities have satisfactorysafeguards to prevent contamination of the waterway due to oil and fuel spillage.4.5 SeagrassesIssue:Seagrass beds are sensitive to the impacts of mooring and anchor chains or boat propellers, and canalso be damaged by poorly monitored dredging and marine construction activities.Actions:NSW Maritime will continue to educate boaters regarding compliance with Department of PrimaryIndustries Fisheries ‘Fish Habitat Protection Plan No.2: Seagrasses’ including avoiding driving theirboat across shallow, weedy areas or anchoring in or near seagrass beds.A permit from the Department of Primary Industries Fisheries is already required to place mooringsnear seagrass beds. During the life of this plan Maritime will also work with the Department ondeveloping seagrass-friendly mooring designs.

4.6 RiverbanksIssue:Many stakeholders expressed concern over the impact of vessel wash on river bank erosionActions:By 2011, NSW Maritime will: Identify areas of the estuary with high erosion potential from boat wake, and where wakecould result in unsafe boating; Assess the need for wake management zones in those areas; Consider the need for recommended areas for wake creating boating activities; Review existing navaid configurations to guide vessels away from sensitive areas; Enforce existing distance-off regulations to ensure safe boating and mitigate potential erosionfrom vessel traffic; Undertake an education program aimed at reducing the incidence of erosion-producing vesselwaves caused by actions such as power turning. Identify additional future access points, particularly on the upper estuary, to reducecongestion at the Greys Beach launching facility and the number of vessels cruising throughsensitive areas en route to destinations upstream.

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LOWER ESTUARYGeneral DescriptionThe lower estuary covers the main river from the Nowra traffic Bridge, east to Crookhaven Heads and includes Broughton Creek, Shaws Creek, Shoalhaven Heads, Crookhaven River and Curleys Bay.Lower Estuary FeaturesThe lower Shoalhaven has within its boundaries a number of islands most notably Pig, Numbaa, Old Man, Comerong, Apple Orchard, Nobles, Haven, Mangrove and Goodnight Islands. There are two vehicularferries that cross the river near Numbaa Island and between O’Keefes Point and Berrys Canal. Aquaculture in the form of oyster leases is located adjacent to Bevan Island, Berrys Bay, Goodnight Island and inCurleys Bay. A major mangrove regeneration project has been underway on the southern shore between Pig and Numbaa Islands with a further section on the northern shore east of Broughton Creek.There are 77 private moorings (PMLs) and 3 commercial moorings (CMLs) in this area.Major fish hauling grounds: to the east of Old Man and Bevan Islands, east of Numbaa Island and at the Shoalhaven / Broughton Creek confluence, west of Numbaa Island and between Pig Island and the Paper Mill.Note: Hauling is not permitted between 8:00am Saturdays and 5:00pm Sundays.Boat RampsNavigation AidsWharf Rd – Berry, Broughton Creek19 Lit AidsBomaderry Ramp – Bomaderry Creek33 Unlit AidsBroughton Creek Ramp, Broughton CreekCrookhaven Ramp, Crookhaven RiverGreenwell Point – Bowling Club, Crookhaven RiverGreenwell Point – West Street, Crookhaven RiverOrient Point - Crookhaven RiverNowra Wharf RampSpecial EventsAustralian Wakeboarding Titles; Rowing Regattas; Sailing Regattas; Canoe/Kayaking Regattas in Broughton Creek; Triathlons - swim legShoalhaven Estuary Safe Boating Plan, 2008 – 2012

LOWER ESTUARY – VALUES This area of the estuary is valued for its:Recreational Activities including: Habitat areas for a variety of aquatic, avian and terrestrial species.-Sailing Comerong Island Nature Reserve-Boating Infrastructure including fuelling points and launching ramps.-Fishing Moorings as convenient means of larger vessel storage.-Swimming Commercial fishing opportunities-Bird ONSTIMEFRAMEA: CROOKHAVEN HEADS TO BERRYS CANALMain vessel access to the ocean.Used by fishing vessels bothcommercial and recreational.Greenwell Point is a popular area foraccess to the river. Activities includecruising, fishing, swimming, andcanoeing.Regional Boat RampGreenwell Point – West StreetSafety issue for vessels crossingor operating adjacent to the bar atthe entrance to the CrookhavenRiver.Mitigate the risk of incidentsoccurring on the bar.Continue existing education strategy,particularly: Deliver a range of bar crossingseminars to boaters. Continue highlighting information oncrossing bars at licence seminars. Continue to promote NSWMaritime’s bar crossing brochurethrough the Bomaderry operationscentre. Include lead marks and how to usethem in educational strategies.Stakeholders raised concern oversafety issues in this section dueto high levels of traffic, narrowchannels, speed and the diversityof activities undertaken here.Mitigate the risk of boating relatedaccidents and incidents on thissection of the estuary.Safety actions to include: Install high visibility bar crossingsignage. Review of the effectiveness andappropriateness of existingnavigation aids and signage. Compliance and educationprograms. Review the need for speedrestrictions immediately upstream ofthe Crookhaven boat rampCrookhaven RampOrient PointGreenwell Point - 47 private &3 commercialOrient Point 8 privateShoalhaven Estuary Safe Boating Plan, 2008 – 2012OngoingShortTermOngoingMediumterm

e with Shoalhaven City Council (theAgency responsible for decisionsregarding ramps/wharves etc) regardinggrant funding offered from NSWMaritime’s Maritime InfrastructureProgram (MIP) for the preparation ofDevelopment Applications andenvironmental reports for the GreenwellPoint boat ramp and jetty upgrade.Suggestions from stakeholdersregarding facilities in this areainclude: Upgrade of Greenwell Pointwharf and ramp includingdisabled access. Pump-out facility also atGreenwell Point Fuel bunkering facility toprevent potential damage tothe local environment. The placing of a limit on thenumber of moorings in thisarea.Improved infrastructure for theboating community.Environmental concerns raisedby stakeholders include: Bank erosion along theeastern side of AppleOrchard Island, NoblesIsland, Greenwell Point andOrient Point. The need for minimal washsignage at Greenwell Point toprotect mangrove restoration. Commerong Nature Reserve.Minimise the risk of damage to riverbanks.The Foreshore Definition Study does notrecommend boating restrictions in theseareas, however NSW Maritime willcontinue to monitor and review thesituation during the life of this plan.Protection of restoration projects andNature Reserves from adverseboating impact.The shallow waterways of ComerongBay provide a natural navigationrestriction for a wide range of vessels.NSW Maritime, however, will continue tomonitor boating activity with a view tominimising impact on the Reserve.Extensive oyster leases arelocated in Curleys Bay and in thebay to the west of GoodnightIsland.Minimise the impact of poor boatingpractices.Investigate the need for a pump-outfacility at Greenwell Point.Mooring configurations to be reviewed.Ensure moorings do not encroach onsea grass beds.TIMEFRAMEMediumTermOngoingOngoingOngoingB: CROOKHAVEN RIVER / CURLEYS BAYRelatively quiet and shallowwaterway where the majority of theestuary’s aquaculture takes place.There are significant areas of oysterleases west of Goodnight Island andthe eastern side of Curleys Bay.Oyster leases in the bay west ofGoodnight IslandGreenwell Point – BowlingClubStakeholders wish to limit theimpact of boating in this area toprotect the industry.Shoalhaven Estuary Safe Boating Plan, 2008 – 2012MediumTermExtend existing 4 knot zone to include anarea extending from a line runningeasterly from the public wharf atGreenwell Point to Orient Point andsouth encompassing Goodnight Island.ShortTermMonitor and review existing managementstrategies.Ongoing

RAMEC: BERRYS CANAL TO OLD MAN ISLANDNarrow man-made canal connectingthe Crookhaven River to theShoalhaven River. A vehicular ferrycrosses the canal south of O’KeefesPoint.Caution Ferry Cables113 Oyster Leases covering 153hectares between Old Man andBevan Islands.Safety issues include: Comerong Island ferry,particularly variations in cabledepth due to prevailingconditions. Narrow navigation channelfrom O’Keefes Point to BerrysCanal.Minimise the risk of vesselaccidents / incidents.Install signage indicating vessels are not toproceed while ferry is in motion – they areto wait until ferry arrives at opposite bank,then pass astern and at 4 knots.Environmental issues include: Erosion of the western bankfrom O’Keefes Point to BerrysCanal; and the western lengthof Comerong Island. Bird species listed under theNSW Threatened Species Actincluding the Little Tern and theSooty and Pied OysterCatchers inhabit the shallowsand mud flats around Old ManIsland and the waterwaysbetween Old Man and BevanIslands.Minimise the impact of poorboating practices.The Foreshore Definition Study does notrecommend boating restrictions in theseareas.The shallow waterways of surrounding OldMan Island provide a natural navigationrestriction for a wide range of vessels.ShortTermOngoingOngoingD: SHOALHAVEN HEADS / BERRYS BAYFormerly the main entrance for theShoalhaven River, it is now rarelyopen to the sea. A narrow navigationchannel connects Shoalhaven Headswith the main river. Fishing,swimming, canoeing, kayaking,sailing and bird watching are thepredominant activities in this area.Fish hauling sites to the east of OldMan and Bevan Islands. Hauling isnot permitted between 8:00amSaturdays and 5:00pm Sundays.East of the boat rampRamp, parking & facilitiesPublic Wharf21 private & 0 commercialShoalhaven Estuary Safe Boating Plan, 2008 – 2012Stakeholders raised the issue ofspeed in the dredged channel fromthe boat ramp at the beach end ofthe estuary to the Berrys Bay boatramp. It has been suggested thatthose involved in more passiveactivities such as rowing, canoeingand swimming are becomingincreasingly at risk.It has also been suggested thatexisting navigation markers andsignage need improvement andreconfigured.Minimise the risk of accidents.The number of recorded incidents andaccidents in this area is extremely low,however, NSW Maritime will reviewexisting speed and navigation aidconfigurations.ShortTerm

RAMEBird species listed under the NSWThreatened Species Act includingthe Little Tern and the Sooty andPied Oyster Catchers inhabit theshallows and sandbars atShoalhaven Heads.Minimise the impact of poor boatingpracticesThe shallow waterways in this areaprovide a natural navigation restrictionfor a wide range of vessels. The areaeast of the Hay Ave wharf and ramphas been made a 4 knot speedrestriction.Stakeholders have suggested thelaunching ramps at ShoalhavenHeads need to be updated andenlarged to handle the increase invessel usage. Improvements to fishcleaning facilities at these rampsneed improving.Improved infrastructure for theboating public.Liaise with Shoalhaven City Council(the Agency responsible for decisionsregarding ramps/wharves etc). Offerassistance in procuring grant fundingfrom NSW Maritime’s MaritimeInfrastructure Program (MIP) forimprovement to existing facilities.This straight stretch includes theconfluence with Broughton Creek.Mangrove regeneration is takingplace on the northern shore east ofBroughton Creek. Fishing andsailing are the main activitiesundertaken here.Mangrove re-generation on thenorthern bank east of the BroughtonCreek / Shoalhaven Riverconfluence.Support mangrove regenerationErect minimal wash signage adjacent tothe mangrove re-generation area.ShortTermArrange for NSW Maritime boatingmaps to show mangrove re-generationand minimal wash zones.ShortTermFish hauling sites to the east ofNumbaa Island and at theShoalhaven / Broughton Creekconfluence. Hauling is not permittedbetween 8:00am Saturdays and5:00pm Sundays.Erosion as identified in theForeshore Definition Study on thenorthern side of Numbaa Island andthe northern bank of the main river.Minimise the impact of poor boatingpractices.The Foreshore Definition Study doesnot recommend boating restrictions inthese areas.OngoingImportant aquaculture areaespecially around Bevan Island – 113leases covering 152.9 hectares.ShortTermMediumTermE: OLD MAN ISLAND TO NUMBAA ISLANDBird species listed under the NSWThreatened Species Act includingthe Little Tern and the Sooty andPied Oyster Catchers inhabit theshallows and mud flats north ofNumbaa Island.Shoalhaven Estuary Safe Boating Plan, 2008 – 2012Ongoing

ACTIVITIESINFRASTRUCTUREISSUESO

ocean across the bar at Crookhaven Heads. Regional boat ramp at Crookhaven Heads, three boat ramps at Greenwell Point. Ramp and pontoon jetty with disabled access at Orient Point. Shoalhaven Heads to Nowra Bridge ; Moderate to high . Popular for fishing, sailing, rowing and river cruises. Nowra Sailing Cl