•We have 4660 square km of land and 160 kms of ocean coastline, 82% is still under cover of native vegetation.

•Approximately two thirds is in State ownership, through National Parks, Nature Reserves, State Forests and Crown Lands. Most of the western area is hilly and mountainous and contained in National Parks www.npws.nsw.gov.au

•Urban and productive areas are on the narrow coastal strip

•There are two major river systems - the Clyde and the Shaolhaven a major coastal bay - Jervis Bay
34 identified catchments with many special lakes and estuaries
Our estuaries are under considerable pressure from human activities both urban and agricultural practices

•Erosion and sedimentation have been identified as major environmental problems in Shoalhaven
Most soils are moderately to strongly acid, low in nutrients and water holding capacity. These poor, acid soils contribute to the high vegetation cover
The richer soils - Milton monzanite and Shoalhaven floodplain - have been mostly cleared for agriculture

•Shoalhaven has 50 known mammal, 300 bird, 50 reptile and 25 frog species.

•There are 88 threatened fauna species and 35 threatened flora species - their management is one of our greatest challenges.

For more detailed information see Shoalhaven City Council’s 'State of the Environment' Report www.shoalhaven.nsw.gov.au/soer

In the report there are five major themes,

Atmosphere - air quality
Biodiversity - conserving biodiversity, bioregions
Land - geology, soils, land use and management
Water - water quality, ecology, coasts, estuaries, storm water, water catchments.
Human settlement - our effect on nature

This Area is for Current News and General Information