Protect significant water resources Some of the MidCoast's water resources are particularly valuable for environmental, social, cultural, or economic reasons. Land use and development located within the catchment of these water resources has the potential, either singularly or cumulatively, to cause catastrophic outcomes for specific communities or industries. Significant water resources in the MidCoast area include: • • • •
Aquatic conservation areas, including the Port Stephens - Great Lakes Marine Park, RAMSAR and other protected coastal wetlands; Estuaries suitable for commercial seafood production, including oysters, prawns and lobsters Priority drinking water catchments and aquifer catchments.
Proactively identifying catchments and water quality impact areas associated with these significant water resources will enable an appropriate, higher-level of assessment to be undertaken, when considering land use and development proposals. Figure 15. Priority Drinking Water Catchments and Aquifer Catchments in the MidCoast
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Draft MidCoast Rural Strategy
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