Chapman River Estuary Reserve draft plan to protect threatened ecological community and preserve land

The City of Greater Geraldton invites the community to provide feedback on the Chapman River Estuary Reserve draft plan, preserving and protecting the popular recreational site.

The Chapman River Estuary Reserve Action Plan will protect the site for future generations, and those passionate about the estuary are asked to give their feedback on the NACC’s draft plan. The location offers a scenic waking trail, birdwatching, recreational fishing or swimming and is an area of cultural significance for First Nations people.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn said the Chapman River Estuary Reserve draft action plan was developed in collaboration with the community, traditional owners and the Northern Agricultural Catchments Council.

“During a series of workshops members of the community took the opportunity to share what they value about the estuary, what threats and issues they see and suggested actions to address these,” he said.

“Some of the key issues they identified include weed and feral animal management, maintenance of the shared path, fencing and educational signage.”

The estuary is also a Federally listed threatened ecological community — where native plants and other organisms are rare and unique to the location — and is home to migratory shorebirds, turtles and other wildlife.

“This is why we are inviting the community to give us feedback on the draft action plan, to ensure it will enhance and protect this unique area for our future generations,” Mr Van Styn said.

The community can provide feedback on the draft plan at surveymonkey.com/r/CREstuary or visit the City Civic Centre and Geraldton Regional Library for hardcopies.

The deadline for feedback is on Monday, August 15.