NAMBUCCA Shire Council has labelled itself a “fish friendly Council”. The council has not only established itself at the forefront of fish habitat creation but also been able to gain some substantial improvements to boating and fishing facilities across the shire through collaborations with other government agencies and local community groups.
Fish habitat and water quality are important requirements to provide quality recreational fishing and Nambucca Shire has been looking at every opportunity to improve and maximise the habitat and health of its rivers, creeks and estuaries.
Some of the more significant projects undertaken over the past few years have included large scale acid sulphate soil management, riparian revegetation projects, and river bank stabilising to reduce erosion and create fish habitat.
A significant project undertaken in 2016 was the creation of artificial fish habitat in the form of 30 reef balls behind a half tide wall at Stuart Island Golf Course.
Other initiatives include the recent revitalisation of Stuart Island, the main boat launching facility to the Nambucca River, and improvements to Shelly Beach, the offshore launching ramp.
With funding received from the Roads and Maritime Services under the Boating Now Program, between the two locations Nambucca Shire Council has provided new amenities, additional trailer parking, a new floating pontoon and upgrade to the local wharf and new park facilities and shelters.
As a reward for the council’s efforts Shelly Beach was recently ranked no. 8 in a list of the best beaches in Australia.
