Caring for waterways in West Dapto

Council has formally adopted the Riparian Corridor Management Strategy for the West Dapto Urban Release Area. This decision was made at the 17 November meeting, following public exhibition of the draft strategy. The strategy sets out how waterways and surrounding land will be managed as the area develops. It is now available on Council’s website.

Read more:

• Business Paper - Item 7 - Post Exhibition - Riparian Corridor Management Strategy for West Dapto
• Council Minutes 17 November 2025

We asked the community and other stakeholders about their local knowledge and experiences – whether the maps are accurate, how the current rules affect property use, and what could be improved to better support the community and environment.

This summary outlines how we engaged with landowners, developers, Aboriginal community members, and technical experts to inform a practical and balanced approach to managing waterways as the area develops.

Engagement details
Engagement activities were conducted from 22 April to 19 June 2025. Engagement with Aboriginal stakeholders began on 22 April and engagement with the broader community began on 22 May. We posted letters to 60 residents and property owners within the West Dapto Urban Release Area. The draft Strategy report and associated materials were made available on the project webpage. Meetings were held so people could speak to the project team about the draft Strategy. The engagement was promoted on social media, in targeted e-newsletters, and a media release was issued on 27 May 2025. People could also access the information from Council’s Customer Service Centre and Dapto Library.

Engagement participation
Council received 51 submissions. We received seven surveys (one hardcopy, six online), 25 emails, and one verbal submission via phone. Two people asked questions in the online Q&A tool. We spoke to 16 people in meetings. The project webpage had 530 unique views. Feedback came from a broad cross-section of stakeholders including landowners, community members, developers, NSW Government agencies, environmental consultants, landscape architects, and advocacy bodies.

What we heard
Most submissions were detailed and technical. All have been shared in full with the team responsible for finalising the Strategy. The feedback reflected a range of perspectives, with strong community support for riparian protection, alongside practical concerns about how the Strategy will be applied. Key themes across all feedback included the need for clearer rules, better enforcement, stronger upstream protections, improved maintenance, protecting existing development approvals, and shared responsibility between Council and landowners to support long-term riparian health. Following is a high-level summary of the main issues raised:

Cultural and environmental values
Traditional Custodians highlighted the cultural, spiritual, and ecological importance of waterways in the West Dapto area. They called for stronger protection of riparian corridors, joint management approaches, and formal recognition of Aboriginal cultural heritage. Environmental stakeholders supported wider buffers, habitat protection, and stronger legal enforcement through planning controls. Respondents advocated for protecting species such as platypus and wombats, and for improving ecological literacy and public land management knowledge.

Mapping, clarity, and enforcement
While many supported the Strategy’s intent, concerns were raised about mapping accuracy, including perceived reliance on desktop methods and incorrect classification of streams. Respondents asked for clearer definitions (e.g. top of bank), consistent enforcement, and a formal process for updating mapping with verified data.

Development and planning integration
Some developers supported riparian management in principle but opposed retrospective application of new rules to previously approved plans. There were concerns about reduced housing yields, financial viability, and conflicts with bushfire planning and asset protection requirements. Several called for provisions to protect existing approvals and greater clarity on who is responsible for long-term corridor maintenance.

Flooding, water quality, and maintenance
Respondents shared experiences of erosion, flooding, and poor water quality, particularly around Mullet and Robins Creeks. Concerns were raised about coal wash runoff, loss of land, and lack of coordinated care across properties. Suggestions included improved maintenance, creation of a “Creek Carers” team, fencing, weed control, and better upstream protections. Some questioned Council’s ability to enforce compliance and called for independent ecological assessments.

Public access and community involvement
There was support for low-impact public access in appropriate areas and stronger education to build community skills and knowledge. Good examples of corridor management were linked to active Bushcare and Landcare programs, committed landowners, and minimal development disturbance. However, others noted urban pressures have led to poor management outcomes in some areas.

Feedback via the online Q&A tool and social media
Questions submitted through the Q&A tool asked about stormwater drain repairs in Horsley and whether the Strategy would affect primary producers. Council confirmed the Strategy focuses on new development and is not intended to restrict ongoing primary production. A social media comment called for Council to take more responsibility for riparian maintenance where consent is required for private land management.

Next steps
Council will consider the feedback received and update the draft Strategy where appropriate. A final version of the Riparian Corridor Management Strategy will be presented to Council for adoption. Community members and stakeholders who made submissions will be notified when the report goes to Council.

Read the full Engagement Report.