Council is seeking feedback on the Draft Settlement Shores Canal Maintenance Plan (SSCMP), which establishes a 10-year framework for ongoing management, including routine and responsive maintenance, to ensure the canal system remains safe, functional and fit for purpose.

As well as defining the current condition of the canals and identifying priority maintenance actions, the SSCMP proposes a new funding model that supports shared stewardship and aligns with community expectations and Council's long-term financial capacity.

Aerial with scale removed

Why is the SSCMP important?

  • Comprehensive assessment of current condition of canal infrastructure and foreshore areas
  • Outlines ongoing and cyclic maintenance, potential risks and planned activities
  • Defines Council and property owners' roles and responsibilities
  • Identifies cost estimates for proposed works
  • Establishes an agreed level of service and new funding model

What is included   What is not included
  • Condition assessment and performance monitoring
  • Identification of priority and long-term actions
  • Maintenance and renewal framework
  • Technical specifications for beach re-nourishment, dredging, revetment wall repair and stormwater outlet maintenance
  • Environmental considerations and approval pathways
  • Proposed pricing structure, funding and implementation
  • Council and property owners' roles and responsibilities
  • Proposed canal maintenance schedule
 
  • Private property works
  • Development or design approvals
  • Emergency response and flood management
  • Engineering design standards for future development

  • 5.3km network of 10 man-made tidal canals
  • Constructed between 1974 and 1993 on southern banks of the Hastings River
  • Bordered by 425 private allotments that benefit from direct water access
  • Key drainage channels for surrounding areas, including 43 stormwater outlets
  • Routinely patrolled by NSW Roads and Maritime Services, as the responsible authority for enforcing maritime issues
  • Combination of private land and Council land (drainage reserve)
  • Key infrastructure such as a revetment wall, flood mitigation weir, erosion protection rock coverings, stormwater outlets, private boat ramps and other boating structures
  • Most recent hydrographic survey undertaken in 2022
  • Routine maintenance includes things like scheduled inspections, repairs to rock protection, sediment and debris removal, and ongoing maintenance of key structures like the flood control weir
  • Recovery maintenance involves more urgent works that may be necessary in response to significant flood or storm events
  • Ten canals include: Southwest Passage, Southern Cove, Crescent Arm, Lachlan Bay, Blue Bay, The Governors Way, Newport Lagoon, Ballina Canal, Regatta Cove and Dolphin Key

The forecast cost for canal maintenance from 2026 to 2036 is approximately $4.64 million, including the next dredging program scheduled for 2035-36.

Funding is proposed through a combination of Council budget allocations and a flat-rate contribution of $358.77 per annum (indexed each year) from property owners.

Currently, canal maintenance is funded by fees collected from the annual Boating Structure Licence fee, along with Council’s general rate revenue. While Council currently allocates $140,085 (indexed annually at 6%), this funding primarily covers routine maintenance, which is relatively modest in cost. Foreshore restoration works are considerably more expensive and cannot be fully funded within existing budget allocations.

The new funding model addresses this gap, and compares favourably with the adjacent Broadwater Estate, where property owners pay an annual levy for maintenance of their canal system.

This funding model would provide sufficient funds to maintain the canals over the long term, and allow Council to gradually build a funding reserve, reducing the need for large one-off charges or significant borrowing when major works such as dredging is required.

For more information see the Proposed Pricing Structure under Related Documents.

Have Your Say

  • Information sessions

    Settlement Shores property owners are invited to meet technical experts at one of six information sessions on 10 and 11 March 2026.

    Identified property owners will receive a letter with times, locations and registration details.

  • Share your feedback

    • Complete the survey or written submission form below
    • Email: Council@pmhc.nsw.gov.au
    • Write to: The General Manager, Port Macquarie Hastings Council, PO Box 84 Port Macquarie NSW 2444

    All submissions will be included in an Engagement Report which will be published on this page.


Submissions will close at 5pm on 25 March 2026.

Survey

Written submission