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Estuaries in NSW

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

Estuary Type

River

Estuary Characteristics

Area Catchment 62 km2
Waterway Area 1.8 km2
Entrance Characteristics Open with twin training breakwaters
Location (Lat-Long) 29.113S ,  153.437E
Distance (from Sydney) 720 km North
Summary of Available Data Data Pages

Physical Features

The river is approximately 20 km in length and the town of Evans Head is located at the entrance. The Evans River is connected to the Richmond River at Woodburn via the Tucombil Canal which is operated to mitigate flooding and improve drainage in the mid-Richmond River area.

Significant Estuarine Tributaries

Tucombil Canal
Evans River
Brandy Arm Creek

Population and Holiday Centres

Evans Head

Special Attributes

General

  • Popular holiday destination
  • Small commercial fishing port.
  • Extensive areas of mangroves and saltmarsh and melaleuca swamp, including SEPP 14 wetland.
  • Large proportion of the catchment is contained within the Broadwater and Bundjalung National Parks.
  • Important Aboriginal cultural heritage sites adjacent to the estuary.

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 0.409 av,ae,rh
Seagrass 0.006 z
Saltmarsh 0.358

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

Management Issues

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

Evans River

Specific Issues

  • Sedimentation - affecting entrance navigation and smothering seagrass communities in the lower reaches of the estuary.
  • Riverbank erosion in the mid to upper reaches of the Evans River.
  • Acid runoff from disturbed acid sulfate soils in Rocky Mouth Creek and the upper reaches of the Evans River.
  • Tuckumbil Canal - operation of the canal for Richmond River flood flows is adversely affecting the Evans River and causing bank erosion, sedimentation and water quality problems.
  • Iron Gates residential development - halted development requires rehabilitation.
  • Removal of riparian vegetation.

Richmond Valley Council's Evans Estuary Management Committee was formed in May 1997 to oversee studies and assist Council in developing an estuary management plan for the Evans River Estuary, under the guidelines provided in the State Government's Estuary Management Manual.

In 1998 the committee's role expanded to include that area of coastline within Richmond Valley Council, and now operates under the title of the Richmond Valley Coastline and Estuary Management Committee.

In addition to its task of developing an Evans Estuary Management Plan, the Committee also works in an advisory capacity to Council, providing a forum for technical advice, community input and discussion on issues relating to the ongoing management of the estuary as they arise.

Planning outcomes

  • In 1997 the committee conducted an issues survey and compiled a comprehensive list of management issues relevant to the Evans River, which includes conservation and protection of aquatic and other areas of habitat and of scenic value; sediment accretion and effects on navigability, tidal flushing and water quality concerns; acid runout; public access and amenity; flooding, and impacts of human activity.
  • The Evans River Data Compilation Study was completed in December 1998, being the second stage of the management planning process, which assembled and reviewed all existing data relevant to the management of the estuary and identified gaps in information required to properly complete the planning process.
  • The processes study was completed in December 1999 and the management study and draft plan completed in 2001.
  • The plan was finalised and adopted by Council in August 2002. Initial implementation is focused on developing a revised Tuckombil Canal management plan that addresses Evans River impacts.

The Estuary Management Process 2

Process Status Date
Form Estuary Management Committee (EMC) completed 1997
Assemble Existing Data completed 1998
Carryout Process Study completed 1999
Carryout Estuary Management Study completed 2001
Draft Estuary Management Plan completed 2001
Review Estuary Management Plan completed Feb 2002
Implement Estuary Management Plan commenced August 2002
Monitor and Review Estuary Management Process none

Contact Details

Richmond Valley Council Engineering Services, Mr Ray Medhurst
Ph (02) 6660 0233 Fax (02) 6662 1342

References

Local Government Areas

Richmond Valley

NSW 1:25000 Map Name(s)

Woodburn
Tabbimoble