Hastings River Chapter
We came together through our concern and interest in being able to restore the fish life and habitat of an area from the Hastings River and including the Limeburners creek area catchment through to the Camden Haven Inlet & River and catchment. In the middle, we have the Lake Cathie Lake Innes Estuarine System where in the past was described as “the Jewel of the Hasting”. We have a relationship between Landcare (Lake Cathie and Hastings to start), Revive Lake Cathie, and the council. We are passionate recreational fishers from the local area who feel fish populations can be improved in the estuary systems by our efforts to improve fish habitat. Our aim is to achieve the sustainable health and amenity of the estuarine systems for our kids and grandkids can enjoy in the future.
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Geographical area
Our footprint is fairly large, which gives us some great opportunities to fish, explore and improve a variety of fishing spots in this area.
- We will go as far North as Limeburner Creek and catchment
- as far West as Long Flat and surrounding areas
- as far South as Camden Haven river and catchment and all waterways in between.
This also includes the Watson Taylor Lake, Lake Cathie and Lake Innes. The traditional owners and custodians of this region are the Dainggatti and Biripi people.
Meet Ups
As a new chapter, we are open to suggestions for convenient meetup times and places from our members joining up.
At this stage it is very casual, we hold meet-ups on an as-needed basis.
Fishing in Port Macquarie LGA
The Port Macquarie area is famous for a range of fishing experiences. Beach, bank, kayaks, motorised and electric motorboat, even flyfishing.
Rec fishers are typically out on the water targeting bream, whiting, flounder and flathead. Fish or no fish on your line at the end of the day, most rec fishers are happy to be amongst the beautiful scenery. The estuary offers easy, family-friendly access for all fishing levels.
The aim of our chapter is to work together towards encouraging the establishment of healthy habitat environment, water quality and improving the health of all estuarine systems within the Port Macquarie LGA.
Meet ups and projects
Clean Ups
We are starting up some cleanup days along the banks in the coming weeks so will need all hands on deck for that.
Water Monitoring
Also on the to-do list is monitoring our water quality – if you have a boat or kayak, you can help! Ask us how.
Fish Habitat Sweep
This involved checking and cleaning areas that are prone to dumping, flotsam and jetsam and other rubbish!
Saltmarsh health monitoring
Our members will be holding a training day for anyone interested in the health of our local saltmarsh and its importance to fish.
Stakeholder Managment
Lake Cathie and Lake Innes Estuarine System Stakeholder Meeting held on November 2020. Industry and Agency Representatives from NPWS, DPIE, Local councillors and council representatives, Mayor of Macquarie-Hastings Council – Peta Pinson, with academic presentations from Southern Cross University’s Professor Scott Johnson, OzFish Member Peter Fitzroy, DPIE’s Coast and Estuaries Officer John Schmidt and DPI NSW’s Angus Fergusson.
The meeting highlighted the geomorphology and hydrology of the Lake Innes and Lake Cathie system and the many issues facing the system, such as Acid Sulphate Soils exposure, re-flooding of these soils after exposure, and overall management of the integrated system through the opening and closing of the lagoon. The meeting also highlighted the potential risks and the potential benefits from decoupling Lake Innes from Lake Cathie.
OzFish Hastings River Chapter Members are providing ongoing water quality data measurements of the system which has and will ultimately provide input into the future management of the system. A grant application has been lodged to further aid the extensive water quality monitoring program in the system by OzFish members, with the provision of a boat and trailer to be shared with Revive Lake Cathie.
A Coastal Management Plan (CMP) is in Stage 1 development with Council and DPI NSW which will provide numerous stakeholder and consultation opportunities in the future direction of the system, by which OzFish members will be involved in going forward.
