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Estuaries in NSW

Brunswick River
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[Image of Estuary] Brunswick River
Shape, Size and Scale of Estuary

Estuary Type

River

Estuary Characteristics

Area Catchment 228 km2
Waterway Area 2.9 km2
Entrance Characteristics Open with twin training breakwaters
Location (Lat-Long) 28.538S ,  153.557E
Distance (from Sydney) 800 km North
Summary of Available Data Data Pages

Physical Features

A high littoral transport rate of approximately 300,000 to 400,000 m3/yr passes the entrance from south to north. The main arm of the river is approximately 20 km in length. The town of Brunswick Heads is located at the entrance and Mullumbimby near the tidal limit. The North Arm (Marshalls Creek) of the river has a tidal length of 5 km and the villages of Ocean Shores, New Brighton and the canal estate of South Golden Beach are located on its foreshores. The South Arm (Simpsons Creek) has a tidal length of 15 km. The Brunswick River receives treated effluent from 3 Sewerage Treatment Works, Mullumbimby, Ocean Shores and Brunswick Heads.

Significant Estuarine Tributaries

Brunswick River
Marshalls Creek
Simpsons Creek
Kings Creek
Midjimbil Creek
Kings Creek

Population and Holiday Centres

Brunswick Heads
Ocean Shores
New Brighton
South Golden Beach
Mullumbimby

Special Attributes

General

  • Important tourist resort.
  • Approximately 0.8 km2 of seagrass meadows.
  • A commercial fishing port was constructed in 1962.
  • Important for oyster growing and spat collection.
  • Extensive rock training of entrance channels.
  • Extensive areas of mangroves and SEPP 14 wetlands in both North and South Arm of River.

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 1.233 av,ae,ex,rh,br
Seagrass 0.036 z
Saltmarsh 0.310

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

fishing, port, sewage

Management Issues

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

Brunswick River

Specific Issues

  • Poor water quality - high nutrient and bacterial loads.
  • Riverbank erosion and past remedial measures.
  • Sedimentation and shoaling affecting navigation, tidal exchange and habitat access.
  • Loss of riparian vegetation.
  • Urban development expansion.
  • Foreshore access and management.
  • Acid runoff from disturbed acid sulfate soils.
  • Decline in aquatic habitats.

Brunswick River Estuary Management Committee was formed in June 1997 to assist Byron Shire Council in achieving integrated, balanced, responsible and ecologically sustainable use of the Brunswick River estuary. The committee's objectives are to :-

  • oversee the development and implementation of a Brunswick Estuary Management Plan under the guidance of the State Government's Estuary Management Program
  • provide a forum for discussion and advice to Council on issues relevant to the ongoing management of the Brunswick estuary

Planning Outcomes

  • An Estuary Management Plan is now being developed, consistent with the guidelines outlined in the Government's Estuary Management Manual.
  • An estuary processes study was completed in 2002. Data compilation made use of the completed Brunswick Catchment Report prepared for the Brunswick CMC and which provides an overview of the status of natural resources in the Brunswick catchment.
  • Other studies include the Brunswick Estuary Community Survey, 1998, which identifies issues of concern to the community.

The Estuary Management Process 2

Process Status Date
Form Estuary Management Committee (EMC) completed
Assemble Existing Data completed 1999
Carryout Process Study completed 2002
Carryout Estuary Management Study commenced
Draft Estuary Management Plan none
Review Estuary Management Plan none
Implement Estuary Management Plan none
Monitor and Review Estuary Management Process none

Contact Details

Byron Shire Council Ms Phyliss Jones
ph (02) 6626 7000 fax (02) 6684 3018

References

Local Government Areas

Byron

NSW 1:25000 Map Name(s)

Brunswick Heads
Huonbrook
Pottsville