Management of mangroves in Brisbane Water, Gosford, New South Wales

The management of mangroves in Brisbane Water is currently being given high priority by Gosford City Council. Mangroves have often been regarded as wastelands fit only for reclamation, drainage and development. However, they are not being recognised as vital components of estuary and wetland ecology with both direct and indirect environmental benefits to humans. Mangroves are threatened by processes which can be controlled and regulated via informed and effective management. Currently two processes are being used to plan for the management of mangroves within Brisbane Water. One is an overall policy based approached using a Plan of Management for the total estuary. The second approach is specific management of mangroves and other coastal wetlands within Brisbane through the implementation of the Brisbane Water Wetland Management Study. Both of these planning and management approaches are supported by Council and are being undertaken by two committees with broad membership from Council, government departments and the local community.