Minnamurra Progress Association has stepped up its campaign, calling for a federal strategic assessment of the Minnamurra River.

The Association is airing concerns of serious threats posed to the fragile ecosystem from the surrounding developments and activities.

In a two-pronged approach, MPA is asking for a Strategic Assessment Overview under the Environment Protection Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 which would require a referral to be submitted to the Australian Government Department of Environment under Matters of National Environmental Significance.

The guidelines of the Department of Environment state that a referral requires a greater than 50% chance of significant impact on the environment to be considered. 

MPA secretary Cliff Mason has sent a letter to local and state government representatives to consider the collective threat posed to the river, which spans 200 hectares.

“We are asking the Shellharbour and Kiama local governments to work together to protect this river,” Mason told The Bugle.

“The simultaneous effect from the five developments and [primary sector] activity needs to be considered collectively.”

MPA member Jacqui Forst said that while environmental laws are being debated and changing, there is great concern for the impact on the Minnamurra River.

“If the region is to be assessed in its entirety in a joint review, it needs to consider the cumulative impact on the river because the ecosystems are being hit from all sides,” Forst said.

MPA shared the letter with The Bugle which was addressed to new Shellharbour CEO Wayde Peterson, Kiama CEO Jane Stroud, Kiama MP Katelin McInerney and NSW Minister for Water Rose Jackson MLC.

Four of the five sites of development or activity which are of concern to MPA are within the Shellharbour Local Government Area.

“Individually, these projects present significant environmental risks; collectively they could devastate the Minnamurra River catchment, wetlands, and intertidal zones,” the letter said.

“The current process silos assessments only focus on reducing – not preventing – pollution and siltation, which is unacceptable given the cumulative impact.”

While the letter does not stipulate that there is a greater than 50% chance of significant impact to the Minnamurra River, it does imply that the piecemeal submissions of the developments and activity do not take this siloed approach into consideration, which could tip the scales.

“The MPA is deeply concerned about the lack of coordinated action between Shellharbour and Kiama Councils, and the absence of proactive environmental protection from NSW government representatives, to safeguard the Minnamurra River,” the letter said.

“The Minnamurra River and its surrounding coastal ecosystem are irreplaceable assets for biodiversity, residents, and visitors alike. Coordinated, lawful action is essential to protect them.”

The Minnamurra River is listed on the Australian Governments Directory of Important Wetlands in Australia which has significant physical, hydrological, ecological features and has notable flora and fauna.

Under the past/present disturbance or threat there are impacts listed from surrounding urban areas and from the Kiama Waste Disposal site which borders Rocklow Creek.  

There are also multiple weed species recorded with other threats listed as sand mining, Dunmore Waste Disposal site, and Sydney Water.

For more information on the strategic assessment overview head to: https://www.dcceew.gov.au/environment/epbc/approvals/strategic-assessments

To access the Directory of Important Wetlands in Australia head to: https://www.dcceew.gov.au/water/wetlands/australian-wetlands-database/directory-important-wetlands