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DWE Home > Home > across the state > North Coast >

North Coast

The North Coast has an important role to play in protecting and promoting the natural assets of one of the most diverse and beautiful areas of NSW.

Stretching south from Port Macquarie to the Queensland border, and inland to the top of the Great Dividing Range, the area is home to stunning beaches, rainforests, timber plantations and productive agricultural land. The economy of the North Coast relies on a mix of forestry, agriculture and tourism. One of the key tasks of DNR is to balance the conflicting demands for land and water use of these sectors, while also protecting the environment which makes the area so special.

We work closely with timber industry stakeholders to both conserve our native forests and maintain an economically and environmentally sound timber harvesting program. For example, DNR staff from the North Coast are leading the way in developing a Code of Practice for Private Native Forestry. DNR North Coast also administers Private Native Forestry Development Consents, and assists in the establishment of new Plantations.

While the North Coast has a higher than average rainfall, water still needs to be carefully managed and allocated, as the local population continues to increase and more tourists visit the area, placing greater pressure on supplies. DNR plays a key role in this process and is responsible for water licence assessment and allocations in the area. The department has also developed Macro Water Sharing Plans for both surface and groundwater sources on the North Coast.

Protecting the beaches and estuaries of the coast is also a priority for DNR. North Coast staff work with local government to develop Estuary Management Plans and Coastal Management Plans to restore and improve the health of our coastal environment.

We are also involved in the development of Floodplain Management Program, providing North Coast councils with advice and expertise on reducing the risk of flood damage.

Major projects and responsibilities for DNR North Coast include:

• Private Native Forestry – Code of Practice
• Macro Water Sharing Plans – surface and groundwater
• Estuary Management Plans
• Coastal Management Plans
• Far North Coast Regional Strategy
• Mid North Coast Regional Strategy