The Seaham Weir Pool Erosion Management Plan has been released, paving the way for implementing the Plan’s actions. This follows a meeting on Tuesday of the Seaham Weir Pool Interagency Working Group.
As the manager of Lower Hunter’s drinking water supply, this milestone means Hunter Water will move forward with fixing erosion issues. It can also focus on improving water quality in the weir pool, one of the region’s critical water sources.
To implement the Plan, Hunter Water will lead the project. It includes repairs to riverbank erosion through stabilisation measures alongside riverbank revegetation and livestock fencing. Detailed site planning with individual property owners has started along the weir pool, the 20-kilometre stretch of the Williams River between Seaham and just upstream of Clarence Town.
The delivery of erosion repairs and protection will enable recreational boating activity to continue within the designated zones on the weir pool. This is consistent with community views and expert advice, with agreement from critical agencies to strengthen boating education and compliance.
Seaham Weir pool plan seeks to solve water quality concerns
Hunter Water Managing Director Darren Cleary said the Plan provides a solution to ongoing water quality concerns in the weir pool.
“The gradual, long-term decline in water quality in this section of the Williams River remains a concern. The Williams is a critical part of our region’s drinking water supply, being the primary water source for Grahamstown Dam.
“This Plan improves water quality and delivers positive environmental outcomes. The Plan also supports the social and economic benefits of the Williams River. They include boating activities that the community values,” said Cleary.
“The final Erosion Management Plan results from expert studies, government agency expertise, and feedback from the local community, landholders, boaters and other waterway users.
“We can now start implementing the Plan’s actions. We’ve already had preliminary discussions with landholders to understand and assess their properties for proposed remediation work.
“We are grateful to the community for providing feedback at two drop-in information sessions in November 2022. There were also many submissions through the online survey on our website. The strong community support for action to prevent erosion and improve water quality has been incorporated into the final Plan.
“We also acknowledge the planning and leadership of the Seaham Weir Pool Interagency Working Group. It includes representatives from Dungog Shire and Port Stephens Councils, Transport for NSW, and Hunter Local Land Services,” said Cleary.
The Plan was prepared in collaboration with these local and state government agencies. There was also consultation with the NSW Soil Conservation Service and independent experts at the University of NSW’s Water Research Laboratory.
Hunter Water and the NSW Government are jointly funding the delivery of the Erosion Management Plan.
The adopted Erosion Management Plan is available along with a copy of the Community and Stakeholder Engagement Outcomes Report at www.hunterwater.com.au/erosionplan
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