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Estuaries in NSW

Coila Lake
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Tuross River and Lake Meringo Creek
[Image of Estuary] Coila Lake
Shape, Size and Scale of Estuary

Estuary Type

Lake

Estuary Characteristics

Area Catchment 48 km2
Waterway Area 6.3 km2
Entrance Characteristics Closed except when artificially opened
Location (Lat-Long) 36.050S ,  150.142E
Distance (from Sydney) 325 km South
Summary of Available Data Data Pages

Physical Features

A large but shallow waterway with depths not exceeding 3 m, Coila Lake is located east of the Princes Highway and north of the town of Tuross Head. The entrance is located at the southern end of Bingie Beach. When the entrance is open, and Coila Creek (only substantial creek feeding the lake) is not in flood, water salinities similar to the ocean extend over the entire lake. The lake bed comprises mostly mud, with marine sand confined to the entrance.

Significant Estuarine Tributaries

Coila Lake

Population and Holiday Centres

Tuross Head

Special Attributes

General

  • Notable habitat for the "Greasyback" or Greenback prawn, a species which can complete its life-cycle in enclosed waters without migrating to the sea.
  • Excellent small boat sailing, water skiing and amateur fishing.
  • SEPP14 wetlands on Coila Creek are made up of saltmarsh which has been declared an endangered ecological community. Also present is Wilsonia rotundifolia, also endangered and only known from four locations on the south coast of NSW.

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 1.367 z,h
Saltmarsh 0.343

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

Management Issues

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

Coila Lake

Current Situation

Eurobodalla Shire Council has formed the Tuross River / Coila Lake Estuary Management Committee to oversee preparation and implementation of an Estuary Management Plan for the two estuaries. The NSW Government is preparing a Sustainability Assessment for Coila Lake, as recommended by the Healthy Rivers Commission Inquiry into Coastal Lakes.

Management Issues

  • sewage and septic overflows to the lake
  • overfishing by commercial operators
  • decreasing water quality in lake
  • degradation of wetlands around lake
  • entrance closure of lake
  • poor land management practices in the catchment of the lake

The Estuary Management Process 2

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

Contact Details

Eurobodalla Shire Council Catherine Potter
Ph (02) 4474 1211

References

Local Government Areas

Eurobodalla

NSW 1:25000 Map Name(s)

Bodalla