Through the Environmental Levy, Coffs Harbour City Council​, has part funded a number of studies undertaken by Southern Cross University to look at the impact that Intensive Plant Agriculture, such as blueberries, is having on our waterways.

The studies include:

• Water Quality on Bucca Creek and the potential impacts of intensive plant agriculture January 2018.
• Investigating water quality in Coffs coastal estuaries and the relationship to adjacent land use Part 1: Sediments (July 2018)
• Investigating water quality in Coffs coastal estuaries and the relationship to adjacent land use Part 2: Water quality (July 2018)

The 2018/19 round of the Environmental Levy has also funded two more projects:

• Investigating soil chemistry on intensive horticulture sites and in association with dam sediments.
• Investigating trace metal transport mechanisms along an intensive horticultural catchment.
• Improving water quality downstream of blueberry farms (yet to be finalised).

A plain english summary of the 2018/19 reports has also been produced:

• Summary: Investigating soil chemistry on intensive horticulture sites and in association with dam sediments.
• Summary: Investigating trace metal transport mechanisms along an intensive horticultural catchment.

Council is continuing to work with industry bodies, other levels of government and Southern Cross University to reduce impacts on our waterways from Intensive Plant Agriculture.

Another report of interest relates to sediments in Coffs Creek titled:

Mangrove sediments reveal records of development during the previous century (Coffs Creek Estuary, Australia) 2017.

Want to report an issue? The below table provides details on the appropriate regulatory authority.

If you are unsure who to contact, contact Coffs Harbour City Council for assistance on 02 6648 4000 or email us.