Help tackle the wrack

Central Coast Council is on the lookout for residents who would like to join a community and stakeholder reference group to help develop a new Tuggerah Lakes Wrack Management Strategy as part of the development of the Tuggerah Lakes Coastal Management Program (CMP).

Three reference group meetings will be held at Council’s Wyong administration building on June 14, July 5 and July 26, with participants needing to attend all three meetings.

Wrack is aquatic plant and vegetation material (including seagrass) which is moved about by wind and washes on to foreshores or collects in shallow areas.

A Council spokesperson said that in Tuggerah Lakes wrack was largely made up of detached seagrass leaves and macroalgae and was an important component of estuarine health.

Council has collected 5,621 cubic metres of wrack and algae from the shores of Tuggerah Lakes this year –which is equivalent to filling two Olympic-sized swimming pools.

An approximate total of 100,000 cubic metres has been collected in the past 10 years.

Council’s wrack collection permit is strictly licenced by the NSW Government and does not allow for the harm or removal of live seagrass, protected foreshore vegetation or the disturbance of nutrient rich sediment.

During periods of low lake water levels, the tops of live seagrass can be seen floating across the water surface which can look like it is dead and in need of collection.

“There is a wrack collection program in place, but developing the new Wrack Management Strategy will help ensure Council applies contemporary practices for effective implementation of a holistic and strategic program,” the spokesperson said.

“Wrack management is complex and an ongoing priority for the community.

“A revised approach is required to balance community concerns, physical and financial constraints and environmental needs and challenges.

“Our new strategy will be