Bank and riparian assessments

A series of comprehensive bank and riparian condition assessments have been commissioned to provide an updated and comprehensive understanding of the issues associated with bank erosion and riparian condition following the 2022 flood event.

Field inspections will be conducted along both sides of estuary will be from the mouth of the system to the upper tidal limit, and will include all navigable tributaries. Subsequent analysis of information will be presented in reports that identify priority areas for natural and built asset protection works to increase bank resilience. The reports produced will be used to assist Council and agencies to justify and focus future design and on-ground works to improve estuarine health, riparian vegetation condition, riverbank resilience, and protect threatened species habitat, and cultural values.

Assessments have been undertaken at the following estuaries:

• Brunswick River (PDF, 6.3 MB)
• Richmond River (PDF, 11.5 MB)
• Clarence River (PDF, 10.7 MB)
• Wooli Wooli River (PDF, 6.5 MB)
• Bellinger River (PDF, 7.3 MB)
• Macleay River (PDF, 16.3 MB)*
• Manning River (PDF, 15.9 MB)*
• Wallamba River (PDF, 10.1 MB)
• Georges River (PDF, 7.8 MB)
• Minnamurra River (PDF, 10.5 MB)
• Tuross River (PDF, 11.5 MB)
• Bega River (PDF, 9.6 MB)
• Pambula / Yowaka (PDF, 9.2 MB)

*If you require accessible PDFs, please contact Jillian Reynolds (jillian.reynolds@dpird.nsw.gov.au or 0429 918 575)

Assessments are underway for the following estuaries:

• Port Stephens / Karuah
• Narrabeen Lagoon
• Clyde River.

Data collected to inform the reports is also being shared online.

You can use the New South Wales Estuary Asset Protection Program – Bank and Riparian Condition Public Portal to access site photos and information collected on riparian condition, erosion severity and recommended bank treatment solutions.

To find your area, click the layer icon in the top-right corner of the screen. Next, select your area, and then zoom in to see the assessment information.

Further data will be added as reports are finalised.