Estuary Management

The Parramatta River estuary is the main tributary of Sydney Harbour; however the harbour also branches into the smaller Lane Cove River and Middle Harbour catchments. Parramatta River has a total catchment area of about 130 km² and is tidal approximately 19 km upstream of the commencement of the river at Balmain. The estuary extends from the tidal limit at Charles Street Weir in Parramatta to the river’s confluence with the Lane Cove River at Cockatoo Island.

The Parramatta River Estuary Management Committee was established in late 2006 for the purpose of preparing and implementing an Estuary Management Plan in accordance with the NSW Government’s Estuary Management Policy. The committee is comprised of stakeholders representing relevant local and state government agencies as well as community and industry representatives.

The estuary management process is outlined in the Estuary Management Manual (NSW Government, 1992) and in summary the process consists of eight steps as follows:

1. Form an Estuary Management Committee;
2. Assemble, compile and interpret existing data;
3. Carry out Estuary Processes Study;
4. Carry out Estuary Management Study;
5. Draft Estuary Management Plan;
6. Review Estuary Management Plan;
7. Adopt and implement Estuary Management Plan;
8. Monitor and review.

The Committee is currently coordinating the Data Compilation and Literature Review Study, being undertaken by specialised consultants. The Study is expected to be completed by April 2008.