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Estuaries in NSW

Lake Ainsworth
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Richmond River Tallow Creek
[Image of Estuary] Lake Ainsworth
Shape, Size and Scale of Estuary

Estuary Type

Lake

Estuary Characteristics

Area Catchment 0.76 km2
Waterway Area 0.13 km2
Entrance Characteristics Permanently closed
Location (Lat-Long) 28.784S ,  153.592E
Distance (from Sydney) 770 km North
Summary of Available Data Data Pages

Physical Features

Lake Ainsworth is located at Lennox Head, about 10 km north of Ballina. The lake is a coastal freshwater lake. Dunes separate the lake from the ocean on the eastern side and from Newrybar Swamp on the western side. Estuary vegetation, coastal heath to the north and west of the lake, western lake foreshore is dominated by cumbungi (Typha orientalis).

Significant Estuarine Tributaries

Lake Ainsworth

Population and Holiday Centres

Lennox Head village to the south of the lake
Lake Ainsworth Caravan Park is located on the southern lake foreshore

Special Attributes

General

  • Valued for its scenic, aesthetic and recreational value.
  • The southern half of the lake is contained within Crown Reserve for public recreation with Ballina Shire Council as Trustees.
  • The northern half of the lake is administered by the NSW Department of Sport and Recreation which conducts fitness and physical education camps.
  • Catamaran and sailboard hire operate on the lake.

Estuarine Vegetation

The spatial data is reproduced from NSW Fisheries(2006/7) studies, whilst the species makeup is from the West et al.(1985). This map shows the spatial extent of the Estuarine Vegetation.

Type Area Species 1
(km2)
Mangroves 0.000
Seagrass 0.000
Saltmarsh 0.000

References

R.J. Williams, G. West, D. Morrison and R.G. Creese, (2006),
"Estuarine Resources of New South Wales",
prepared for the Comprehensive Coastal Assessment (DoP) by the NSW Department of Primary Industries, Port Stephens.

R.J. West, C.A. Thorogood, T.R. Walford and R.J. Williams. (1985).
"An Estuarine Inventory for New South Wales, Australia".
Fisheries Bulletin 2. Department of Agriculture, New South Wales.

Estuary Commerce

tourism

Management Issues

This estuary falls in the area covered by Northern Rivers Catchment Management Authority.

Lake Ainsworth

Management Issues

  • water quality particularly algae blooms,
  • coastal dune stability,
  • traffic management,
  • recreation and foreshore amenity,
  • lake ecology,
  • aboriginal heritage,
  • lake water level and flooding.

Lake Ainsworth Management Committee was formed in 1994 to oversee investigations of the lake and to develop a management plan. The studies were prompted by occurrence of blue-green algae blooms and their impact on the recreational amenity of the lake, as well as concerns with pressures from increasing population, tourist activity and development of the adjoining Sport and Recreation Centre.

Planning Outcomes

First completed were the Literature Review (1995) and Processes Study (1996) which details the various physical, chemical and biological processes of the lake, and their interaction with human activity.

The Management Plan was completed in November 2002 and presents management actions to:

  • ensure the conservation, maintenance and rehabilitation of the lake.
  • provide for recreational needs of residents and tourists.
  • encourage scientific research into the genesis, evolution and management of coastal freshwater lakes.

Implementation

A bubble plume aeration system was installed in late 1997 as a trial, to break down and prevent density stratification in the lake which is conducive to blue-green algae growth. The results of the trial will contribute towards the development of a range of options for the management of blue-green algae in the lake. Current implementation actions are directed at traffic management and foreshore recreational facilities.

The Estuary Management Process 2

Process Status Date
Form Estuary Management Committee (EMC) completed 1994
Assemble Existing Data completed 1995
Carryout Process Study completed 1996
Carryout Estuary Management Study completed May 2000
Draft Estuary Management Plan completed 2002
Review Estuary Management Plan completed November 2002
Implement Estuary Management Plan commenced
Monitor and Review Estuary Management Process none

Contact Details

Ballina Shire Council Civil Services Department, Mr Paul Busmanis
Ph (02) 6686 4444 Fax (02) 6681 1375

References

Local Government Areas

Ballina

NSW 1:25000 Map Name(s)

Ballina