The ten-year program aimed at protecting and improving the ecological health of the Manning's estuary and catchment is currently open for feedback.

MidCoast Council has developed the draft Manning River Estuary Catchment and Management Program (ECMP) over the past three years in consultation with a wide range of community members and key stakeholders.

The program recognises the importance of the Manning River, its tributaries and the estuary to the 50,000 people living in the catchment area.

Stretching 261km from the mountains to the coast, the Manning is the lifeblood of the local community. The estuary is vital for oyster-growing, fishing, tourism and recreation. From the upper reaches of the catchment the Manning and its tributaries provide water for drinking, stock and irrigation. Cultural connections to the river and estuary for the Aboriginal community span many generations.

"The ways we use, enjoy and benefit from the Manning River are diverse, but they all depend on a healthy ecosystem and clean water,"MidCoast Council's Gerard Tuckerman said.

"Placing the draft program on public exhibition is a crucial part of the process, ensuring we have accurately captured the needs and wants of our community, and important stakeholders that include primary producers, the local Aboriginal community, recreational and conservation groups, and other government agencies.

"Input gathered during this stage will also help us understand whether the actions we have identified under eight core objectives are realistic, achievable and measurable," he said.

"The actions we have identified for implementation over the next 10 years are focused on community engagement and education, supporting a transition to best environmental management practices with farmers, restoring coastal wetlands and riverbank vegetation, and remediating acid sulphate soils."

The overarching focus for the Manning River ECMP is on addressing the impacts of land-use on water quality and ecosystem health. To find out more and get involved, head online to www.midcoast.nsw.gov.au/ourmanningriver where you can provide feedback until 4.30pm on Tuesday, July 13.

"Our community has identified the environment as one its greatest priorities, and this body of work is one of a number of initiatives that provide a framework for how we will protect and improve our natural assets for future generations," Mr Tuckerman said.

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