An Expert Panel tasked with finding the best ways to improve water quality in Tuggerah Lakes has now been established.
Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast and Member for Terrigal Adam Crouch said the Expert Panel would be different to previous approaches to Tuggerah Lakes.
“The Expert Panel will do more than just produce another report. Its purpose is to pull together all previous reports to identify water quality solutions,” Mr Crouch said.
“The Panel will also investigate what has been done in the past, what issues the community wants addressed, and what science says should be done in the future.
“This will help to guide Central Coast Council in formulating their future strategies and actions.”
Member of the Legislative Council Taylor Martin said the Expert Panel’s inaugural meeting occurred on Wednesday, 22 April.
“The community is concerned about the water quality of Tuggerah Lakes and the Panel will meet on a regular basis to ensure we find the best ways to improve water quality,” Mr Martin said.
Central Coast Councillor for The Entrance Ward Jilly Pilon said it is important to listen to the community and other stakeholders.
“Addressing the health of Tuggerah Lakes is a longstanding issue for our community and I look forward to the Panel collaborating with Central Coast Council to determine how we can improve water quality,” Cr Pilon said.
Brian Perrem was the Liberal candidate for The Entrance at the 2019 NSW Election and said the Expert Panel would address concerns from communities linked to the Tuggerah Lakes system.
“The NSW Government has committed $200,000 for the Panel and I am pleased eight experts have now begun their work to find water quality solutions for Tuggerah Lakes,” Mr Perrem said.
The Panel comprises industry-recognised experts in the fields of catchment management, water quality, coast and estuary dynamics, aquatic ecology, stormwater management, water sensitive urban design and community engagement, including:
- Prof William Glamore (Chair)
- Dr Katherine Dafforn
- Sian Fawcett
- Dr Angus Ferguson
- Dr Damian Maher
- Nicole Ramilo
- Dr David Wainwright
- Stuart Waters
A working group has been established to guide operation of the Expert Panel comprising staff from the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment and Central Coast Council.
The Panel will undertake consultation with the community and other relevant stakeholders, and further details will be available shortly.