Draft guidelines for the ongoing environmental monitoring and management of the reconfigured coastline at Port Geographe have been released for comment.
Department of Transport (DoT) Coastal Infrastructure General Manager Steve Jenkins said that the draft Port Geographe Environmental Monitoring and Management Plan (EMMP), prepared by environmental experts, identifies monitoring requirements to minimize environmental impacts and describes ongoing coastal maintenance practices to optimize the performance of the reconfigured structures.
“ The plan sets out the environmental monitoring requirements for the site and identifies options for maintenance works including sand movement and seagrass wrack management using a number of techniques to manage the coastline as the area adapts to the new structures and into the future ,” Mr Jenkins said.
“As part of the plan DoT will conduct regular detailed environmental monitoring of the Port Geographe Coastal Management Area which includes the beaches adjacent to the development to the west and east to Wonnerup.
“Specific targets are in place for the assessment of seagrass wrack, sand movement and the condition of the harbor entrance and the plan provides the framework for an appropriate environmental response if needed.”
Mr Jenkins said that the feedback from the local community and others would be incorporated in the final plan to be submitted to the Environmental Protection Authority for endorsement, and once implemented, revised annually.
The plan is available for comment until August 5, 2016.
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