The Wagonga Inlet is an initiative based on the South Coast on NSW in Narooma. It proposes an innovative transformation of the foreshore into a ‘living shoreline’ to protect and enhance the adjacent estuary long term. The project aims to revitalise the natural and community environment of Wagonga Inlet and will be an exceptional demonstration site for living shoreline projects around Australia. The initiative is a collaborative project between Eurobodalla Shire Council, NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) Fisheries, The Nature Conservancy Australia (TNC) and the Australian Government.

The concept design proposes a restoration of the foreshore and adjacent estuary environments between Narooma Swimming Centre and Ken Rose Park. The design proposes several interlinked strategies to re-establish ecosystems within the area, combining living shorelines, bank stabilisation, saltmarsh rehabilitation and oyster reef restoration.

For more information on the initiative see a feature article on the project and the full Living Shoreline proposal here.

It also aims to improve amenity for the community along the foreshore by maintaining the foreshore walkway, introducing a boardwalk and viewing platforms and new planting along the water’s edge. Views from the caravan park are maintained and improved access is provided to the sandflats, reducing the need to walk through the saltmarsh. A ramp is provided to facilitate launching of light water craft, SUPs and kayaks, while a new pontoon re-connects visitors and swimmers to the Deep Hole off the point. These improvements further allow the space to be enjoyed while protecting and enhancing the marine ecologies and sea grass beds.

Finally, the project introduces an oyster reef as part of a broader state initiative to bring back shellfish reef ecosystems as viable coastal ecologies – for the benefit of both people and nature. The location of the reef and access points to the Deep Hole and Sand flats are positioned to facilitate recreation, the overlapping of human and natural ecologies and continued access and enjoyment of the Wagonga Inlet Foreshore

Project Team: Nicole Larkin Design | Short Pants Consulting | REALMstudios | Royal HaskoningDHV