Coastal Management Webinar

This webinar explored critical coastal management challenges in the Hunter and Port Stephens regions, including flood tide deltas, low-lying land vulnerability, and the restoration of estuarine habitats. The session featured two leading researchers examining local systems such as Kooragang, Tomago, Tilligerry Creek, and the Williamtown/Salt Ash swales. Speakers discussed the ecological impacts of historical drainage, saltmarsh recovery, and implications for biodiversity and fisheries productivity. Key case studies included the rehabilitation of Hexham Swamp and the return of School Prawn (Metapenaeus macleayi) populations, highlighting how habitat repair contributes to fisheries yield and ecosystem health. The event provided valuable insights into ecosystem functioning, sediment dynamics, and nature-based solutions for climate resilience. 

Guest Speakers 

Dr David Wainwright – Principal Engineer, Salients Pty Ltd 

David is an environmental engineer with over 25 years of experience in coastal and estuarine systems. His expertise includes risk assessment under sea-level rise, sediment transport, and floodplain management. He is a conjoint lecturer at the University of Newcastle and Adjunct Fellow at the University of Queensland, and he serves as an expert advisor to the NSW Government on coastal systems such as Tuggerah Lakes and Swansea Channel. 

Associate Professor Troy Gaston – School of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Newcastle 

A/Prof Gaston has over 20 years of experience in estuarine ecology, focusing on degraded ecosystems and nutrient cycling. He has worked across NSW, Queensland, and Tasmania on coastal restoration projects, and sits on multiple regional and state-level advisory committees related to water quality and marine park management. His work uses novel tracers to understand habitat function and inform on-ground repair strategies.